HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight off infections.  Our immune plays an important role in protecting us from pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi and untreated HIV can reduce the ability of the body to fight off these infections.

There is currently no curet for HIV, but treatment for HIV is very effective. With treatment a person can live a long healthy life.

HIV treatment is so effective that it can reduce the amount of HIV virus in a person’s body to an undetectable level. Someone with a undetectable level of HIV in their body (also called an undetectable viral load) cannot pass HIV on to their partner(s). This is called U=U or undetectable = untransmittable and it is 100% effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and also helps to prevent passing HIV from sharing syringes, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

Getting tested for HIV is the first step and whether you have HIV or not there are ways to stay healthy.