What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body’s immune system by destroying the system’s white blood cells, known as T cells. HIV is spread by contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. If an individual is already infected, taking a regular dosage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce the amount of HIV virus in the blood and can reduce the risk of transmission to others. Currently, there is no safe and effective cure, but scientists are working hard to discover and develop one.
What is AIDS?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV infection, determined when an individual’s T cell count is below 200. Individuals with AIDS are more likely to develop Opportunistic Infections that often lead to death.
Resources
- Biden-Harris Administration Expands Access to Life-Saving Organ Transplants Through HOPE Act Reform
- PrEP Questions and Answers (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS)
- HRSA HIV/AIDS Bureau Update: Special Bulletin – Sept. 6, 2024
- Resources for Gay and Bisexual Men (CDC)
- HIV in Individuals 50 Years and Older (CDC)
- What to Know About HIV and COVID-19
- Interim Guidance for COVID-19 and Persons with HIV
- What Is Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America?
- Prevention and Treatment of HIV Among People Living with Substance Use and/or Mental Disorders
- HRSA’s HIV/AIDS Bureau Releases Two New Aging with HIV Reference Guides
- The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) HAB recently released two new reference guides to assist health care professionals as their population of patients aging with HIV grows.
- Incorporating New Elements of Care: This reference guide identifies commonly occurring health care and social needs of people aging with HIV and highlights the screenings and assessments for these needs. It serves as a starting point for health care teams as they build and expand their knowledge and practice of serving people aging with HIV.
- Putting Together the Best Health Care Team: This reference guide discusses how all members of the health care team can contribute to the care of people aging with HIV. Specifically, this guide identifies roles, responsibilities, staff training, and resources for the health care team to build their capacity and may assist the health care team as they build and expand their knowledge and practice of serving people aging with HIV.”
- HIV-AIDS in the U.S. Deep South- Trends from 2008-2016
- HIV-AIDS in the U.S. Deep South – Trends from 2008-2019