While the number of people who have HIV has drastically dropped since the 1990s and has continued to decline since 2010, we’re nowhere close to zero infections. In 2019, approximately 34,800 individuals contracted the virus. With today’s advancements in treatment, those with HIV can still live long and healthy lives, but it is still better to avoid contracting HIV. Thankfully, there are many proven methods you can utilize to protect yourself.

HIV Prevention

Practice Safe Sex

Using male or female condoms during sexual intercourse is one of the best defenses to reduce your risk of encountering HIV or transmitting it to your partner. You also need to make sure you or your partner uses them correctly. Reusing condoms, forgetting to check for air bubbles or putting the condom on after sexual contact can increase your chances of contracting HIV.

Although your chances of developing the virus through oral sex are minimal, it’s not zero. Wearing a male or female condom during oral sex will help keep both parties safe.

Get Tested Regularly

Knowledge is key. Being aware of your HIV-positive or negative status when you’re sexually active can help protect you and your partners’ health. If you test positive, you can start receiving treatment early, which is vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after your diagnosis. There are many testing options available for easy access, from home testing kits to rapid tests (available through St. Hope Healthcare).

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

PrEP is a highly effective medication that people at high risk of contracting HIV can take daily to prevent infection if their healthcare provider has approved it. If you have severe kidney or liver problems or are HIV positive, you may not be able to take PrEP safely.

Use Clean Needles

People who inject drugs should always use clean and sterile needles and syringes to prevent HIV transmission. Needle exchange programs and access to harm reduction services can help ensure needles and syringes are cleaned and contain no traces of HIV, reducing risk and helping to weaken the spread of the virus.

HIV Education and Awareness

Understanding the modes of HIV transmission and engaging in open and honest communication about sexual health with partners can also play a crucial role in prevention.

Education and awareness are crucial both for preventing new infections and helping individuals adhere to their treatment plans without bias. It’s critical that those who are infected and at-risk individuals understand how HIV can and cannot be transmitted. For example, you can’t get HIV through saliva.

HIV Treatment

While there is no cure for HIV, many people with HIV live long and healthy lives. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving your treatment outcome and controlling the virus’s progression.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) involves taking a combination of HIV medications to stop the virus from replicating. ART helps restore your immune system's function and limits possible opportunistic infections. It’s essential that you adhere to your treatment plan[1] . Never discontinue your treatment without consulting your healthcare provider and allowing them to adjust it first, as this can result in the virus rebounding and developing resistance to medications.

In addition to medications and frequent testing, leading a healthy lifestyle can help you maintain your well-being even with HIV. Eating healthy, managing stress, exercising regularly and avoiding excessive smoking or drinking can strengthen the effect of your medications as they fortify your immune system against the virus.

Get the Medications You Need at a Pharmacy That Cares About You

Whether you need PrEP or ART prescriptions, like Protease Inhibitors (PIs), you can get HIV medications at St. Hope Pharmacy. As a full-service pharmacy, we serve St. Hope Healthcare patients and non-patients alike. Our expert pharmacists will help you understand your new medications so you can take them correctly, from daily routines to possible side effects.

We also partner closely with other doctors at St. Hope Healthcare in delivering comprehensive care to Houston patients in need of HIV and STI prevention and treatment services.

Contact your nearest St. Hope pharmacy in Bellaire, Conroe, Houston, Sugar Land or Dickinson to learn about transferring prescriptions or receiving other services.

  Link to "The Importance of Medication Adherence for HIV Patients" blog