Get The Facts

Once an individual tests positive for HIV, the virus remains in the body forever. There is no cure for HIV.

However, with proper medical treatment and drug therapy - usually in the form of a daily drug regimen - people who have tested positive for HIV have been known to stay healthy for years, even decades. With access to treatment, HIV can be a chronic, but manageable condition.

Prevent HIV Transmission

HIV is transmitted when infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk enter another person's body. This most often occurs during unprotected sex or during injection drug use (when needles are shared).

If you're having sex and you want to prevent HIV transmission, you need to use a condom or other barrier consistently - every time. HIV can be spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. While mouth-to-genital contact is not as risky as intercourse, the possibility of HIV transmission is still there. Use condoms - or dental dams or plastic wrap for oral - and you'll help keep yourself and your partners safe.