What Happens if I Have HIV?
Finding out you have HIV can be a lot. You might feel scared, confused, or even angry. That’s normal. But the truth is — HIV treatment works.
There is no cure for HIV (yet), but the medicine we have now can help you stay healthy, protect others, and live a long life.
What is HIV Treatment?
HIV treatment is called antiretroviral therapy, or ART. It’s a combination of medicines you take every day. These meds help lower the amount of HIV in your body (called your viral load) until it becomes undetectable.
When your viral load is undetectable:
- You stay healthy.
- You can’t pass HIV to your sexual partners.
(This is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U.)
When Should I Start Treatment?
Start as soon as possible after your diagnosis. The sooner you begin, the better it is for your body and your long-term health. Most people feel better within weeks of starting meds.
What If I Miss a Dose?
Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. But if you miss a dose, don’t panic — take it as soon as you remember. The more consistent you are, the better the medicine works.
Will I Have Side Effects?
Some people have mild side effects when they first start treatment — like upset stomach or tiredness. Most side effects go away after a few days or weeks. If they don’t, talk to your doctor. There are many different HIV meds, so you can find one that works for you.
How Can The Project Help?
At The Project, we’re here to help you every step of the way:
- We connect you with a doctor who understands HIV care
- We offer support with insurance, appointments, and medication access
- We have care coordinators, counselors, and case managers to support you
You’re not alone. And you don’t have to do this by yourself.
Learn The Basics
Living Well with HIV: Staying in Care Matters
Taking your HIV meds every day and staying in care helps you live a long, healthy life. Learn how to stay on track with support from The Project.
Getting Tested for HIV: What You Need to Know
Learn why getting tested for HIV matters, what the test is like, and where you can go. Testing is quick, easy, and free at many places.
What is HIV? (And Why It’s Important to Know)
Learn the basics about HIV — what it is, how it spreads, and why getting tested matters.
What to Expect at Your First HIV Care Visit
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Rapid Start PrEP
Last month, the Prevention and Clinical teams at the Project launched “Rapid Start PrEP,” an easy way to start your journey to preventing HIV. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication treatment that when taken as directed can prevent HIV by about 99%. It is the single most effective intervention for preventing HIV for people who are HIV-negative.
Common questions about getting tested for HIV/STIs
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Testing 101
Have you been thinking about getting tested for HIV and/or other STI’s but don’t know what to expect? Maybe it’s been awhile and you’re getting cold feet. That’s ok. Here at the Project we are here to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. Here are just a few insights into how our testing appointments work.