HIV 101

[Virtual Presenter] Good morning everyone. Today we will be discussing HIV and AIDS and how we can reduce the risk of transmission. Join us as we explore how we can ensure our safety and the safety of others..

[Virtual Presenter] HIV is a virus that is spread through body fluids and weakens the immune system. AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is the most advanced stage of HIV. Transmission of HIV can occur through unprotected sexual contact, sharing of needles or syringes, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV is not spread through casual contact such as sharing dishes, hugging, or shaking hands. Symptoms of HIV infection may include extreme tiredness, fever, headaches, shortness of breath, diarrhea, and weight loss. Antiretroviral medication is available to help manage HIV and reduce its symptoms. Risk of HIV exposure can be reduced by using barrier methods such as condoms, practicing U=U, taking PrEP, and using PEP when necessary..

[Audio] HIV is a virus that can have serious impacts on the body if not treated properly. Attacking the immune system, there is currently no cure. Despite this, with the right medical attention, it can be managed and individuals can experience a long and healthy life, becoming undetectable and untransmissible. Understanding all aspects of HIV including diagnosis, treatment and prevention is essential..

[Audio] AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is the most serious stage of HIV infection. It is linked to a notable reduction of CD4 cells, white blood cells that aid in combating infection. Furthermore, weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to certain opportunistic infections. But, with appropriate treatment and care, individuals can lead healthy and meaningful lives..

[Audio] HIV can be spread through sexual contact, as well as sharing or reusing needles and mother-to-child transmission, either through birth or breastfeeding. Body fluids such as blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, and breast milk can also transmit HIV. To protect against HIV transmission, individuals should practice safe sex, use clean needles and materials when engaging in drug use, and for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with a healthcare provider about the risks..

[Audio] HIV is not spread through saliva, tears, sweat, hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing dishes, or any other activities that don't involve exchanging body fluids such as touching. Additionally, HIV does not survive long outside the body and is unable to reproduce outside of a human host. It is also important to note that HIV is not spread through the air, or through insects like mosquitoes and ticks..

[Audio] Weight loss, pharyngitis, sores in the mouth or esophagus, myalgia, enlargement of the liver and spleen, general malaise, headache and neuropathy, lymphadenopathy and skin rash, gastric and flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat and fatigue, as well as swollen lymph nodes and mouth ulcers are the most commonly experienced symptoms of HIV infection during the early stages..

[Audio] The virus enters the bloodstream and takes up residence in the cells, followed by mild flu-like symptoms, and in some cases, more severe reactions. During the Primary or Acute infection phase, the virus is actively replicating, resulting in a high viral load. It then takes up to three months to develop antibodies, leading to the Asymptomatic Stage, where the person appears healthy, but the immune system is weakened..

[Audio] HIV is an important issue that can no longer be ignored. Through groundbreaking research and advocacy, it is possible to achieve viral suppression through antiretroviral medication. Once a person has taken their medication for 6 months or more, they can be considered virtually untransmittable. The U = U message stands for undetectable equals untransmittable and it should be known by everyone. By educating the community on HIV, stigma associated with the virus can be eliminated, bringing us one step closer to a future free of discrimination..

[Audio] Condoms are one of the most important tools to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Internal condoms are meant to be used internally and provide the receptive partner more control over their sexual autonomy. They can be inserted up to 8 hours before sexual activity and are not made of latex. External condoms, on the other hand, are meant to be used externally on a penis and are available in both latex and non-latex varieties. Both varieties provide protection against STIs and pregnancy..

[Audio] HIV is a complex condition that can have a disproportionately large impact on some groups. Despite being able to affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender or age, there are certain risk factors that can place certain individuals at higher risk of infection. These can include a combination of economic disadvantage, stigma, racism, homophobia and lack of access to medical care. For example, a report by the MMWR has shown that only 67% of black/African American gay and bisexual men with newly diagnosed HIV, and 58% with previously diagnosed HIV, were linked to HIV medical care within 90 days of the diagnosis. It is essential that those living with HIV receive the necessary medical attention and support to maintain viral suppression. At higher risk are men who have sex with men, people from African American or Black and Latinx backgrounds, and those who inject drugs. Reducing stigma and providing equal access to healthcare and support services is essential to lessen HIV's disproportionate impact on some communities..

[Audio] HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that can cause AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. The virus weakens the immune system, making it difficult to fight off infections and diseases. This slide displays a timeline of the virus, from when it was first discovered to the modern treatments available today. We've come a long way in understanding and managing HIV and AIDS, and those first steps to control and treat this virus will be remembered for years to come..

[Audio] Engaging in activities of a sexual nature can bring with it health risks, but these can be mitigated by using protection, such as dental dams. Dental dams are thin, square pieces of latex or polyurethane that serve as a barrier during oral sex. They are one-time-use only, though if you do not have access to one, a condom or non-microwaveable plastic wrap can be used to make your own. Though dental dams can be used for a penis, it is recommended to use flavored condoms instead, as they offer more protection. It should be noted that anything with flavor has sugar, and the sugar should only be introduced to the mouth..

[Audio] HIV 101 can be complicated, so let's discuss risk reduction related to lubrication. Lubrication can make things more comfortable, but it also reduces the likelihood of (micro)tears in non-lubricating areas, such as the anus or penis. You have three main lubricant choices: water based, silicone based and oil based. Water based lubes can stain, need to be reapplied regularly, but are safe for sensitive skin and can be used with condoms and sex toys. Silicone based lubes are longer lasting, but not safe to use with silicone sex toys. Oil based lubes are good for unprotected sex or masturbation, however they can cause condoms to break and they're hard to clean. Think carefully about which lube is best for you..

[Audio] PrEP is an effective way to help protect yourself from HIV. Options include a once a day pill or an injectable form taken every two months that can be up to 99% effective in reducing the risk of HIV when taken as prescribed. If you think you might be a candidate for PrEP, ask your provider and if you have further questions, get in touch with us..

[Audio] PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a powerful form of HIV prevention. Committing to taking the drug every day and seeing a healthcare provider every 3 months for follow-up is essential. Daily consumption of the pill can drastically reduce the risk of HIV..

[Audio] HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and over 36 million people around the world are living with it. Post Exposure Prophylaxis, or PEP, is a way to minimise the risk of infection if you've been exposed to HIV. It involves taking anti-HIV drugs as soon as possible after potential exposure and must begin within 72 hours of exposure to be effective. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, contact your doctor or a healthcare provider right away so you can minimise your risk of getting HIV..

[Audio] Ending this presentation, I'd like to thank you all for your attention. We discussed an overview of HIV and AIDS, which included transmission, symptoms, and treatments. Two videos were shared, with the goal of achieving an undetectable status when living with HIV, and how effective treatment can be as a preventive measure. Further resources were provided from HIV.gov and the CDC for more detailed information. Appreciate your time and interest..