Honor World AIDS Day by taking steps to prevent HIV and AIDS

Did you know? As of 2022, there were nearly 22,000 people living with HIV in Louisiana. World AIDS Day is a way to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, while also honoring the 40 million people who have died of AIDS-related illnesses.

So, let’s do what we do best, New Orleans—celebrate World AIDS Day in every parish. Learn about ways to commemorate the occasion by preventing the spread of HIV and protecting your health.

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. When people get HIV, the virus can attack cells in their body that protect them from other infections. Left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS is the result of a more advanced HIV infection, when HIV damages the immune system permanently.

There isn’t a cure for HIV. However, now there are effective medicines that can reduce how much of the virus is in the blood and prevent AIDS. The best way to stop the spread of HIV is with education—and through events like World AIDS Day.

What is World AIDS Day?

World AIDS Day was the first global public health awareness day endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Two public information officers at WHO, James Bunn and Thomas Netter, created the event, with the first observance in 1988. Traditionally, World AIDS Day has three goals:

• To raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and how to prevent them.
• To honor the lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses.
• To show support for those living with HIV or AIDS today.
• To reduce how many people get HIV each year.

These goals haven’t changed since 1988, but the circumstances surrounding HIV and AIDS have. Today, we know a lot more about both HIV and AIDS. And our focus has shifted to HIV prevention and testing for HIV infections. Communities continue to refresh and refine initiatives based on new science advancements, research, and lessons learned.Ways to prevent the spread of HIV

HIV spreads through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Most people contract HIV through sexual intercourse or contaminated needles or syringes during injection drug use.

Anyone can get HIV, but certain groups, including gay men, experience a bigger burden from HIV than others.

Here are some ways to do your part to protect yourself and others from HIV:

Practice safe sex

Use latex condoms during sex, including vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. Limit your number of sexual partners to minimize your risk.

Get tested for STIs

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Regular STI testing is important. An STI test can be part of your regular checkup with your primary care provider.

One of the best times for STI testing is before you enter a new sexual relationship. If you or your partner tests positive for HIV, you may benefit from antiretroviral therapy (ART). This therapy is a combination of medications that lowers the amount of HIV in the body, called the “viral load.” When the viral load is low, we can’t detect HIV, and we can’t transmit it to others through sex.

Consider taking PrEP

Talk with your primary care provider about your risk for HIV. If you’re at high risk, you may benefit from taking PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis. You take this medication daily to help prevent infection.

Avoid injectable drugs

If you need an injectable drug, use a new sterile needle or syringe for each dose and don’t share needles or syringes with others.

Know what to do if you’re exposed

If you’re exposed to HIV through sex or a shared needle, you may get a prescription for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). It’s important to start PEP within 72 hours of exposure to be effective.

Your provider is here to help, too

Taking care of your health includes your sexual health. If you have questions about HIV, talk to your primary care provider. They’re here for all your health needs. Schedule a checkup today.