LET’S TALK HIV
BOSTON
THE BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION IS COMMITTED TO DESTIGMATIZING HIV AND CONNECTING RESIDENTS WITH TREATMENTS AND RESOURCES THEY NEED AND DESERVE.
There are a wide range of services, from free HIV and STI testing, treatment, assistance with housing, food, and transportation that are available at low to no cost, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
You are not alone. There is a community of people who are living with HIV who can speak with you — safely and confidentially — to get the support you need.
This website provides general information around HIV and how with regular medication, a person with HIV can live a long and healthy life.
STANDS FOR
UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMITTABLE
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. HIV is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sex or by sharing needles.
With proper medicine, HIV is now a manageable chronic disease. A person with HIV fully in treatment can live a long and healthy life, and have sex without risk of passing HIV to others.
When a person with HIV takes their medicine as prescribed every day, the virus becomes so low in their body that it can’t be found by a blood test. This low level is called “undetectable”. When the virus is undetectable, HIV can’t be passed to others during sex. This is called “untransmittable”.
ENDING THE HIV EPIDEMIC
Ending the HIV Epidemic in the US (EHE) is an initiative led by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Through the coordinated efforts of dedicated organizations and advocates at the national and local levels, EHE aims to:
- Reduce new HIV infections in the United States by 75% by 2025 and by 90% by 2030.
- Advance health equity by scaling up key HIV prevention and treatment strategies.
- Community engagement is crucial to the success of EHE’s mission. To learn more about EHE, and how you can be an advocate, visit BPHC’s EHE webpage or HIV.gov.
FAQ
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UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMITTABLE (U = U) FAQ
UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMITTABLE (U = U) FAQ
What does U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) mean?
When a person with HIV takes their medicine as prescribed every day, the virus becomes so low in their body that it can’t be found by a blood test. This low level is called “undetectable”. When the virus is undetectable, HIV can’t be passed to others during sex. This is called “untransmittable”.
Getting to and keeping an undetectable viral load is the best thing a person with HIV can do to stay healthy.
What is a viral load?
Your viral load is the amount of HIV virus present in your body, measured by a blood test.
Is it possible to get HIV through sex from someone who is undetectable?
No. There are no confirmed cases of sexual transmission of HIV from persons with an undetectable viral load.
Is it possible for a pregnant person with undetectable HIV to give it to their child?
If a pregnant person is undetectable, the risk of passing HIV from birthing parent to child is near zero.
PREVENTION FAQ
PREVENTION FAQ
How can I prevent getting HIV during sex?
Get tested regularly, talk to your partner(s) about their HIV status and sexual health practices, consider using condoms, and talk to your provider about PreP, a preventative medication.
What is PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is proactive prevention medication, a once-daily pill or twice monthly injection, for people who are HIV-negative. PrEP helps to prevent individuals from contracting HIV if they are at risk of exposure.
When taken as prescribed, PrEP is 99% effective at preventing sexual transmission of HIV and 74% effective against injection transmission, according to HIV.gov.
Does my partner need to use PrEP if I am undetectable?
People living with HIV who are undetectable will not transmit HIV to partners who do not have HIV, but it is important to have an open and honest conversation with your partner and let them decide. Discussing plans together helps everyone stay safe and it is up to you to decide what works best for you in your relationship.
What is PEP?
PEP (Post-exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency medication you take after possible exposure to HIV. It is a month-long (28 day) course of anti-HIV medications that must be started within 72-hours (3 days) of HIV exposure to prevent infection.
Pep can be up to 80% effective, according to the CDC. PEP is available at emergency rooms and urgent care clinics for those who may need it.
Do I need to use condoms if my partner is undetectable?
People living with HIV who are undetectable will not transmit HIV to partners who do not have HIV, but it is important to have an open and honest conversation with all partners about safe sex. You can decide if you want a second barrier of protection from HIV. Keep in mind that Condoms also provide protection for other STIs for all involved.
I use injectable drugs, how can I prevent HIV?
Use sterile needles, never share needles, and consider taking PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis), a daily medication to prevent HIV. In Boston, you can access PrEP, HIV medication through clinics, and syringe exchange programs through organizations such as Victory Programs and others.
TREATMENT FAQ
TREATMENT FAQ
Is HIV treatable?
Yes. With modern medication, known as ART (Antiretroviral therapy), HIV is a manageable condition, and people with HIV live long, healthy lives. ART is recommended for everyone with HIV, and is available at low or no cost, regardless of insurance. Talk to your care provider, or find one through many of Boston’s services listed here.
Are there side effects to HIV medication?
Most side effects are minimal. Taking medication every day is the best way to get and keep an undetectable viral load.
What should I do if I miss a dose of my medication?
Medication is most effective when taken as prescribed. If you find you are regularly missing doses, talk to a healthcare provider or peer support group about ways to help you remember to take your medication regularly, and come up with a plan that works for you.
Alternatively, there are injectable treatment options that would require you to remember the injection month to every other month.
I stopped taking my medication, am I still undetectable?
If you stop taking medication, your viral load will increase and you will not stay undetectable. However, you can restart treatment again to eventually reach undetectable levels again!
CARE SERVICES FAQ
CARE SERVICES FAQ
I don’t have insurance, and I can’t afford healthcare. Can I still get care?
Yes! Services throughout Boston offer help to make sure you get the medication and care you need at low to no cost, with or without insurance. Funding is available via Ryan White services and other assistance programs.
I’m an undocumented immigrant. Can I get care?
Yes! Services throughout Boston offer help regardless of immigration status. Multilingual support is available as well.
Will a care provider disclose my status?
No, services are safe and completely confidential. Your status is kept private.
How do I ensure that I receive the best care for my needs at the clinic?
- Be open and honest about your health history, sexual practices, drug use, and any potential exposures, even if you’re not specifically asked.
- Ask questions about HIV treatment and prevention options, including PrEP and PEP, and discuss any concerns you may have about medication.
- Regularly schedule follow-ups, stay informed about your treatment plan, participate in support services, like counseling or community resources, if needed.
