Learn about HIV
Prevention, testing and care avaliable in Southwest Michigan.
What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects your immune system.
Without treatment, it can make it harder for your body to fight off infections.
With treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthly lives.
How HIV can move between people
HIV moves through certain body fluids, including:
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blood
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semen
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vaginal fluids
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rectal fluids
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breast milk.
You can come into contact through:
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anal sex
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vaginal sex
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sharing needles or injection equipment
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Parent to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
HIV IS NOT contracted by:
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kissing
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hugging
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sharing food or drinks
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casual contact (just like you can't get pregnant from a toilet, you can't get HIV sitting on a toilet)
HIV doesn't live outside the body*
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Understanding how HIV is contracted helps you choose sexual health tools that work for you.
HIV is treatable
HIV treatment can lower the virus to an undetectable level.
When HIV is undetectable:
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It cannot be passed through sex
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You health stays strong
This is called Undetectable = Untrasmittable (U=U)
How do you prevent HIV?
There are several ways to reduce the chance of HIV, lets explore below:
Condoms & Lube
When used correctly are effective sexual health tools in preventing HIV.
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