HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. Use the modules below to learn about HIV, how to talk about and destigmatize HIV, and how to prevent transmission of HIV.
HIV is mostly transmitted through anal or vaginal sex, or from shared needles, shared syringes, or other injection drug use.
The easiest and most effective way to see if you have HIV is to take a HIV test. In many cases, HIV can live in your system for many years without presenting symptoms. There are a few types of HIV tests. Click here to learn about the different ways you can test for HIV at Cares.
According to the CDC, following an HIV infection(acute HIV infection), some people have reported flu-like symptoms that can last from a few days to several weeks. Possible symptoms include:
Some people who have experienced an HIV infection may not feel sick at all. The symptoms listed above are also common with other illness.
The best way to check if you have HIV is to take a test. Learn about HIV testing here.
PrEP is a once-daily pill that is 99% effective at preventing HIV. Want to get on PrEP? Visit our partner at mistr.com/cares to learn more about how to get access to PrEP medication for free!