Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can we do to reduce stigma against people living with HIV ?

There are many ways people can fight HIV stigma in our lives and in our community, whether you are a person living with HIV or HIV-negative. In many cases, stigma around HIV exists alongside other forms of stigma and discrimination, such as: discrimination against people who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual (called homophobia); discrimination against people who are transgender (transphobia); and, discrimination or stigma directed at people who use drugs. Ageism, or negative feelings toward people who are young or old, can also play a role in HIV stigma. To effectively address HIV stigma, it is important to address homophobia, transphobia, stigma directed to people who use drugs and ageism. Reducing stigma around HIV is about promoting a community where people are accepted for who they are, and we celebrate our similarities and differences. Here is some idea for how to address stigma:

Challenge attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that contribute to HIV stigma. Don’t be a silent witness to it when it happens around you.

Break the silence around HIV in your community. Acknowledge HIV just as you would any other chronic illness.
Get information about HIV testing and know your own HIV status.
Treat people living with HIV with compassion and acceptance.
Learn supportive ways to react when someone tells you they are living with HIV.
Educate your community that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact.
Avoid using language that overtly stigmatizes others.
Treat people living with HIV as you would treat anyone else: with respect, empathy, and compassion.

2. How can I tell if my HIV treatment is working ?

A person can tell if his or her HIV treatment is working by looking at the results of the blood tests that measure viral load and the health of the immune system. An HIV treatment regimen is considered effective if: it’s able to control HIV to the point that the virus is “undetectable”; or the CD4 count is close to or within the normal range. Even when HIV treatment is effective, the virus is still present, but the viral load level is low enough that HIV is considered controlled.

3. What is the treatment for HIV ?

HIV is treated by taking a combination of medications. The different medications fight the virus at different stages. The health care provider will use a lab test called a genotype test or resistance test to determine the most effective treatment regimen for the patient. The good news is that pharmaceutical companies combine the different antiretroviral medications into one pill. This means that for many patients, treating HIV may be as simple as taking one pill, once a day. It is important to seek treatment for HIV as early as possible. Getting early HIV treatment will help keep people living with HIV healthy and prevent HIV from affecting how long they live or how well they feel. The pills have either no side effects or manageable side effects. Taking the medications consistently is the most important key to staying healthy and feeling well. Once a person begins to feel well, that does not mean they should stop taking their medicine. In order for HIV medication to be the most effective, it should be taken every day even if the person feels healthy. When people living with HIV who see their healthcare provider regularly and take their medication every day, there is a very good chance that they will become virally suppressed. Viral suppression, sometimes known as being undetectable, is an important goal of treatment. Viral suppression means the amount of virus in the person’s blood is below the level the test can identify. If a person living with HIV doesn’t take their medications regularly, the treatment won’t work as well and the amount of HIV in your body will increase. That is called having a detectable viral load. This will eventually lead to damage to the person’s immune system and greater chances of becoming ill. If people living with HIV don’t take their medication regularly, it also can lead to what is called drug resistance. This means the virus can get around the medication and the healthcare provider may have to prescribe a new treatment plan that might be more complicated to take, or possibly have a greater risk of side effects.

4. What does it mean to have a negative test result ?

A negative test result generally means you do not have HIV. However, if you have had a recent exposure you may be in the “window period.” The window period is the period of time between someone potentially being exposed to HIV and when the test is able to detect it. If the first result comes back negative and there is still concern, getting tested again 3 months after the last possible exposure can help you to be sure. People who have a negative test result but would like to reduce the risk of HIV may want to consider Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a daily pill that people take so they can reduce their worry about acquiring HIV and keep HIV from entering your body. You may want to consider taking PrEP if you are:

A gay or bisexual man who has unprotected sex
A transgender woman who has sex with men
In a relationship with a person who is living with HIV
Someone who has condomless sex with multiple partners
A person who has been diagnosed with an STD in the past 6 months
People who have injected drugs in the past six months and have shared needles or works