Independent Health: HEALTHStyles Monthly February 2021
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Prevention and testing are key when it comes to HIV

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Approximately 1.2 million Americans are currently living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which is a virus that attacks the immune system. Left untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is the most advanced and deadly stage of the infection. 

HIV doesn’t discriminate. All people, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation, can contract this virus. But there’s good news: HIV is preventable. 

Practicing prevention 

You can avoid HIV by abstaining from sex, limiting your number of sexual partners, using condoms when you have sex and never sharing needles. You can also protect against infection by using medication options such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PrEP is appropriate for those who are at increased risk for HIV infection, while PEP is appropriate for use within 36 hours after potential exposure to HIV. Both PrEP and PEP require a prescription from a doctor. 

The NYSDOH AIDS Institute's PrEP Aware Week is scheduled for October 24 to 31, with activities taking place across the state to increase PrEP awareness and uptake. 

Expect the test 

The only way to be sure you have—or don’t have—HIV is to get tested. New York State Public Health Law requires that health care providers offer all people ages 13 and older an HIV test as part of routine blood work, regardless of their individual risks. This testing is voluntary, and all HIV test results are confidential. If you would like to be tested for HIV, simply ask your doctor. 

Living with HIV 

Some people do not develop any symptoms when they’re first infected with HIV. But others experience flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks. Even though there’s no cure, you can still live a long, healthy life with proper medical care. For example, antiretroviral drugs can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to undetectable levels. 

Independent Health has a variety of HIV- and PrEP-related resources and information on our website. As always, talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

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