HIV Basics

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The HIV virus destroys the body’s ability to fight off infection and can eventually lead to AIDS. To date, there is no cure for HIV. If unidentified and untreated, HIV can be fatal.

HIV Basics: Learn the facts about HIV, how the disease progresses, and basic information on how to prevent HIV.

• What are HIV and AIDS?
• HIV Affects Us All: Ask for the Test
• El VIH Nos Afecta A Todos: Pida La Prueba
• We Order the Test

For more information about HIV, visit these other websites.

• HIV Basics
• HIV/AIDS Basics

Prevention

Test and treat is a powerful prevention intervention. Routine HIV screening plays a key role in diagnosing people unaware of their HIV infection. Early diagnosis and treatment for HIV reduces the risk of transmission by 96%. Patients maintained in care benefit from improved health.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a powerful HIV prevention option for people who are at high risk of getting HIV. When combined with condoms and other prevention methods, PrEP provides even greater protection than when used alone. But people who use PrEP must commit to taking the drug every day and seeing their health care provider for follow-up every 3 months.

• DSHS PrEP Recommendations and Resources
• Get Help Paying for PrEP

Prevention Resources:

• Compendium of Evidence-Based Interventions and Best Practices for HIV Prevention
• Prevention Information

Related Information

• HIV
• HIV in Texas
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