HIV 101- Understanding HIV & AIDS, how it spreads and preventions of it.

HIV 101: An Introduction of the series.

HIV 101, is a series of multiple articles covering the basics of HIV & AIDS, it's prevention, and the other aspects around the Virus. To make the articles user friendly, we've used simpler and easier vocabulary so anyone, without the hassle of googling medical terms can learn about HIV and AIDS.

Many people think that HIV and AIDS are same. But...

HIV and AIDS are Not same.

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human immunodeficiency virus. It harms your immune system by destroying white blood cell of your body that helps your body fight infection. This puts you at risk for serious infections and certain cancers.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is the final stage of infection with HIV. It happens when the body's immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.

In simpler words, HIV is a virus that harms your immune system and makes you an easy target for infections. The last stage of HIV is AIDS. Keep in mind that not everyone with HIV develops AIDS.

Bonus Points: Learn how HIV spreads and how can we prevent it.

How Does HIV Spread?

HIV spreads when infected blood, semen (cum) or vaginal fluids enter the body. HIV also can pass from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

HIV does not spread through?

• Urine, stools, spit, vomit, or sweat (as long as no blood is present)

• Coughing or sneezing

• Holding hands

• Sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses

• Other sexual activities that don’t involve the exchange of body fluids (for example, Touching, Masturbating).

How can HIV be prevented?

• Get tested for HIV.

• Talk to your partner about HIV testing and get tested before you have sex.

• Use condoms correctly every time you have sex. 

• Limit your number of sexual partners.

• Talk to your health care provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).