LIVING AND
THRIVING WITH HIV
IS POSSIBLE

Learning to navigate life with HIV can take time, but it shouldn’t stop you from living the life you want. Thanks to effective treatment, you can look forward to a long, happy, and healthy life with HIV.

Living Well with HIV

Your journey with HIV is entirely unique. While effective medication, a personalized care plan, and a consistent routine form the foundation for a healthy life, true well-being goes deeper. It's about thriving in body and mind - empowering yourself in your care and prioritizing both physical and emotional health will set you on the right path.

LAI HIV Treatment OptionsLEARN WHAT’S AVAILABLE

DID YOU KNOW?

PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV CAN HAVE SEX WITHOUT TRANSMISSION TO THEIR PARTNERS

When someone living with HIV uses their HIV medication as prescribed and their viral load is at an undetectable level, they cannot pass HIV on to others. This is often called Treatment as Prevention or "Undetectable = Untransmittable," or U=U for short.

U=U

UNDETECTABLE =
UNTRANSMITTABLE

ADVANCEMENTS IN HIV TREATMENT

As we envision an HIV-free world, incredible advances are being made in the development of HIV treatments. HIV is now a manageable, long-term health condition, thanks to groundbreaking innovations in antiretroviral treatment (ARV), allowing people to live full and healthy lives. By understanding HIV and its impact, you gain control and feel empowered to make confident, informed decisions about your health and care.

TREATMENT ADHERENCE

The best way to make sure you stay on track with your HIV care routine is to use your medicine as prescribed. This is also called ‘treatment adherence’. Good adherence not only helps you stay undetectable, but it can help to maintain your general health too. There are lots of ways you can make it easier for yourself, from using your routine to stay on track or setting a reminder on your phone, to switching to an HIV medication that better suits your lifestyle. If you do find you’re regularly missing doses or struggle to stick to your treatment plan, tell your healthcare team so, together you can find a better option. The important thing is to find something that works for you and that you are able to take specifically as prescribed.

FAQs

  • What does HIV treatment involve, and how does it work?

    HIV treatment, called antiretroviral therapy (ART), involves taking a combination of medications every day. These medicines don't cure HIV, but they significantly reduce the amount of the virus in your body (your viral load) and help your immune system stay strong. By taking ART consistently, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives, and achieve an "undetectable" viral load, which means the virus cannot be transmitted to others through sex.

  • How soon after diagnosis should I start HIV treatment?

    Current medical guidelines recommend starting HIV treatment (ART) as soon as possible after diagnosis. Early treatment has significant benefits, including protecting your immune system, preventing HIV-related illnesses, and improving your overall health. Starting early also helps achieve an undetectable viral load faster, which is key for preventing onward transmission. Your doctor will work with you to begin treatment promptly and safely.

Learn More About An HIV TREATMENT OPTION

Navigating Your HIV Journey

You have choices in the management of your HIV care. Staying informed and knowing your treatment options means walking into your next conversation with a healthcare provider feeling prepared.

TREATMENT
OPTIONS
THAT FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE

Today's HIV medications are more effective, easier to take, and have fewer side effects than ever before. Understanding how HIV treatment works can help you and your care team decide what fits best with your routine. Together, you can make more informed decisions about your care.

DAILY ORAL PILLS

A once-daily, single pill treatment regimen.

Daily Pill HIV TREATMENT OPTION

LONG-ACTING INJECTABLE

Injections allow for longer time between doses (compared to a daily pill). Injections are given by your doctor or care team and are just as effective as daily oral pills, when taken as prescribed.

Long-acting HIV TreatmentEXPLORE AN OPTION

DID YOU KNOW?

VIRAL SUPPRESSION AMONG PEOPLE DIAGNOSED WITH HIV IN THE U.S. IN 2022 REACHED

65%

THE TREATMENT AS PREVENTION (TasP) STRATEGY

Taking antiretroviral (ART) medications as prescribed and utilizing the treatment as prevention (TasP) approach can help. ARVs are a key component of HIV prevention, helping people living with HIV become undetectable, and therefore untransmittable (U=U).

DO YOU HAVE AN HIV-NEGATIVE PARTNER?

HERE’S HOW PREP CAN PLAY A ROLE

PrEP is a medication that can greatly reduce the risk of getting HIV through sex when taken as prescribed. For HIV-negative partners, it's an important step toward staying protected. When PrEP is taken as prescribed, it's 99% effective at preventing HIV from sex. PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so PrEP should be used in conjunction with other safer-sex practices such as condoms.

Learn How to Talk to Your Partner AboutPREVENTION OPTIONS

Learn More About An HIV TREATMENT OPTION

Own Your Narrative

Take control of your health. Find guidance on protecting your mental health, discussing your diagnosis with loved ones, and talking about treatment with your care team.

MENTAL HEALTH & HIV

HIV and mental health are very much intertwined - this can be a lot to deal with. Whether it's the shock of diagnosis, keeping your status a secret, negotiating sex and relationships, dealing with rejection by friends and family, stigma, isolation or even side effects from medications - it can all impact your emotional wellbeing. If you are struggling right now, don't worry, you're not alone. Opening up with mental health professionals or a trusted loved one isn't always easy, but it can be the first step to feeling better. If you are in distress and need to speak to someone immediately, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

OWN YOUR NARRATIVE

HOW TO DISCUSS HIV DIAGNOSIS WITH LOVED ONES

Deciding who, when, and how to tell people about your HIV status is a personal choice. There's no right or wrong way, and you are in control of your narrative.

Sharing your status can be empowering and strengthen your relationships, but it should always be on your terms and when you feel ready. Always remember: your safety and well-being come first as you consider these important points:

HOW TO TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Your doctor is your key partner in managing HIV. Make the most of your appointments to ensure you're confident and comfortable with your treatment plan. Remember, this is your journey. Don’t hesitate to speak up and ensure your treatment plan works for you.

Questions About Treatment?PREPARE FOR A VISIT WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Learn More About An HIV TREATMENT OPTION

Unlock Support from your Community and Care Team

Discover a curated collection of trusted organizations, practical tools, and further information. These resources are designed to connect you with vital support and empower your continued well-being.