3 Things to Know About HIV

As an HIV doctor, here are some things I want you to know about HIV.

Number one. HIV can be controlled with treatment.

Nowadays, we treat HIV with medications called antiretrovirals. Our goal is to get your viral load undetectable and to get your CD4 count, your immune system, as strong as possible.

Number two. HIV undetectable is untransmittable.

If you get your viral load to undetectable, and you keep it there, you cannot transmit HIV to your sexual partner.

Number three. PrEP prevents HIV.

PrEP is taken once daily on a regular basis to protect people who are at risk of getting HIV. It’s a game changer. So, whether or not that sexual partner decides to consistently use the condom, you know that you’re protected.

This video is a joint production of KFF’s GREATER THAN HIV and CDC’s LET’S STOP HIV TOGETHER. This information is shared for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at the time of filming.

Always consult a healthcare provider for any personal health decisions. The marks “CDC” and “Let’s Stop HIV Together” are owned by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services and are used with permission. Use of these logos is not an endorsement by HHS or CDC of any particular product, service, or enterprise.