HIV Information

About HIV

HIV is a virus that damages the body’s ability to fight off illnesses, making it easier for you to get sick. HIV usually spreads through unprotected anal or vaginal sex or by sharing needles. HIV is only spread by certain body fluids – blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids and breast milk.

HIV test

Some people develop flu-like symptoms two to four weeks after getting infected with HIV, but most people don’t have any symptoms for many years. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. You will get the test result during your appointment. Results are confidential. For those newly diagnosed, staff will provide support and connection to excellent medical care and resources.

PrEP

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a pill taken everyday to prevent someone from getting HIV. If taken everyday, PrEP can lower your chances of getting HIV by up to 99%.

Learn more about PrEP

PEP

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It is medication for people who don’t have HIV but may have been exposed to it within the last three days (72 hours). The sooner you can come in the better, since PEP is most effective when taken closest to the time of exposure.

Learn more about PEP

Clinic 555 staff will help you decide if PEP is right for you and will assist you with medication coverage/paying for the medication.

Undetectable = Untransmissible (U=U) 

Did you know HIV medication can suppress the virus to undetectable levels so it is untransmissible? This means when someone who has HIV takes their medication every day, the amount of virus in their body is so small, they cannot spread it to anyone else. This is great news for people who are worried they may have HIV and avoid getting tested. The stigma of living with HIV can start to lift. Once someone is on medication, their health very often improves, and they cannot spread the virus!