hiv
Approximately 1.2 million people in the US have HIV. Whether you’re wondering what’s next after a possible exposure or just looking for a preventative treatment option, we’re here to help.
what is hiv?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is an incurable virus that attacks the body’s immune system. It is spread through infected bodily fluids, including seminal and vaginal fluids. These fluids can transmit the virus when they come into contact with uninfected blood or bodily fluids. Some common symptoms of HIV are fever and muscle pains, headache, mouth sores, and swollen lymph glands.
If you think you may have or have been exposed to HIV, we urge you to get tested.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of HIV can often be similar to the flu or other viral infections, including:
- fever and muscle pains
- headache
- sore throat
- night sweats
- swollen lymph glands
- diarrhea
- mouth sores, including yeast infection (thrush)
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM AT-HOME HEPATITIS C TESTING
request
Request a FREE home test kit and have access to a medical professional, if needed.
Collect
Privately collect your sample at home with ease and send it to a certified lab with prepaid shipping.
TREAT
Receive your results and suggested treatment plan from a licensed medical professional within days.
HOW TO HELP PREVENT HIV:
prep
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a proactive, protection-based medication that prevents HIV infection for HIV-negative individuals. Unlike nPEP, PrEP is only effective against HIV when taken regularly prior to a possible exposure.
npep
nPEP (non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis) is a reactive, protection-based medication that helps prevent HIV infection when taken within 72 hours of exposure. It works by disrupting the pathways the HIV virus uses to spread permanent infection throughout the body.
HOW HIV IS TREATED:
ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS
Because HIV is a virus, it must be treated with antiviral medications. After a positive test result, you will have a conversation with a medical professional to determine a treatment plan that works for you.
TALK TO A PROFESSIONAL
We know HIV can be difficult to talk about, but we also know it’s important to have those conversations. With your privacy and comfort top of mind, our trusted healthcare professionals are here to guide you every step of the way. HealthyMD provides comprehensive free healthcare services in the community through our in-clinic and mobile clinic locations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Getting tested every 2-4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after high-risk sex will provide you with accurate results.
The only way to know is to get tested. You can get tested for FREE at one of our clinics here. You can’t rely on signs and symptoms to tell whether you have HIV. Recognizing your HIV status provides you with powerful information so you can take steps to keep yourself and your companion(s) healthy and balanced. If you test positive, you can take medicine to treat HIV.
Yes, you can contract HIV through oral sex. HIV is spread through infected bodily fluids, including seminal and vaginal fluids.