Medically reviewed by Rebecca Glassman, MD

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects more than 1.2 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 1 in 8 people don’t know they are living with HIV. Whether you’ve never been tested or it’s been a while, here’s what you should know about HIV today: how testing works, how to protect yourself and why knowing your status matters.

Why HIV Testing Matters

Being aware of your HIV status is important to protect yourself and others. The good news is that HIV is no longer the life-threatening diagnosis it once was. With early detection and treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission to others. In addition, people without HIV have multiple medication options to reduce their chances of acquiring HIV. Testing is the critical first step.

The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare. People at higher risk should be tested more frequently, typically every three to six months.

Understanding Your Risk

HIV is transmitted through specific bodily fluids, including:

• Blood
• Semen and pre-seminal fluid
• Rectal fluids
• Vaginal fluids
• Breast milk

The most common routes of transmission are unprotected sexual contact and sharing needles or syringes. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or being near someone who is coughing or sneezing.

Certain factors can increase your risk:

• Having unprotected sex (without a condom, female condom or dental dam)
• Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Having multiple sexual partners
• Having anonymous sexual partners, whose status you might not know
• Sharing injection drug equipment
• Knowing your risk factors helps you make informed decisions about testing frequency and prevention.

How to Prevent HIV

HIV prevention has come a long way, and there are now multiple effective tools available.

1. Use condoms consistently. When used correctly every time, condoms are highly effective at reducing the risk of HIV and other STIs.
2. Consider PrEP. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is available as a daily medication, an injection every 2 months or an injection every 6 months. PrEP is for people who don’t have HIV but want to reduce their risk. When taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99 percent, according to the CDC. PrEP is available by prescription and may be covered by insurance or assistance programs.
3. Get tested regularly and encourage your partners to do the same. Knowing everyone’s status makes it easier to make informed decisions about prevention. Ensure your provider tests for all STIs at all locations on your body that are involved in sex.
4. If you use injectable drugs, use clean equipment. Many communities have needle exchange programs that provide sterile equipment and connection to treatment resources.
5. Talk to your provider about your options. HIV prevention is not one-size-fits-all. A healthcare provider can help you identify the approach that makes the most sense for your lifestyle and health history.

If Your Partner Has HIV

Having a partner with HIV does not mean you will get HIV. With the right precautions, the risk can be extremely low.

Here’s what to know:

• Treatment is prevention. When a person with HIV takes antiretroviral therapy (ART) consistently and achieves an “undetectable” viral load, they cannot transmit the virus to a partner through sex. This is known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). It is supported by extensive scientific research.
• PrEP provides additional protection. If you are HIV-negative and your partner has HIV, PrEP can further reduce your risk, even if your partner is in treatment.
• Regular testing is important for both partners. Maintaining awareness of both partners’ health status supports informed, ongoing decision-making.
• Open communication with your healthcare provider matters. Providers who specialize in sexual health and HIV can offer personalized guidance, monitor your health and connect you with support resources.

Where to Find Support in the Hudson Valley

WMCHealth’s Ally Care Center provides comprehensive, compassionate and inclusive care for all individuals seeking sexual health services, including STI and HIV testing, PrEP and HIV treatment.

In addition to a wealth of medical knowledge on HIV prevention and treatment options, the Ally Care Center includes a robust mental health team, case managers to help you find community resources and peers to connect with those who share a lived experience.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit our website.