December 1, 2023 marks the 35th annual commemoration of World AIDS Day, a global day of recognition, remembrance, and commitment to efforts to end the HIV epidemic.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects over one million Americans, and millions more globally. HIV has a long history of being an often misunderstood yet highly stigmatized illness. Luckily, we have come a long way since HIV was first noticed in the United States in 1981. Unlike in the decades before the turn of the millennium, Americans diagnosed with HIV today are able to access treatment, called antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is highly effective at preventing the diagnosis of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), a medical condition which greatly compromises your immune system. With the success of ART, many Americans with HIV can live long, healthy lives.
That said, we don’t just have the tools to protect someone who has been diagnosed with HIV, but we also have the tools to prevent the transmission of HIV. It’s entirely within the realm of possibility that we could completely eliminate HIV around the world. One of the most important tools we have is a medication called PrEP, which stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. PrEP, when taken daily, is highly effective at protecting someone from HIV. It is 99% effective at preventing sexual transmission of HIV, and about 74% effective at preventing HIV transmission from sharing needles. If you are interested in a PrEP prescription, you can contact the Family Planning Agency of South Central New York, located here in Cortland. They are located at 165 Main St., Suite A., in the Crescent Commons building. You can call (607) 250-9004 or make an appointment online: fpscny.org
Similar to PrEP is another medication known as PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), also sometimes written as nPEP (Non-Occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), which is used after someone has already been exposed to HIV. PEP is often used by healthcare workers or first responders, while nPEP is used by folks exposed to HIV outside of an occupational setting, like the workplace. PEP is a medical regimen that should be started within 72 hours of exposure to HIV, but preferably as soon as possible, and it’s more than 80% effective at preventing HIV infection. PEP is usually obtained in emergency rooms, or you can also call the NYS PEP hotline: 844-PEP4NOW (844-737-4669).
There is another phenomenon that helps prevent HIV transmission. When a HIV-positive individual is taking their ART as directed for at least six months, their viral load – or, the amount of HIV in their body – actually decreases to the point where it is considered “suppressed” and it is impossible for them to pass it to a sexual partner. This phenomenon is known by a handy acronym: U=U, or Undetectable = Untransmittable. In this way, treatment for HIV also acts as prevention, which is one of many reasons why it’s so crucial that HIV-positive individuals have access to treatment.
December 1st is recognized internationally as World AIDS Day, a day to remember and honor those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS, and to also raise awareness and educate folks about the current facts we have for HIV. One of the greatest tools we have for eliminating HIV is education. Make sure you know the facts about HIV, and that you know your HIV status by getting tested by your primary care doctor or at the Family Planning Agency of South Central New York.
Regina Cuddeback
Sexual Health Educator
Family and Children’s Counseling Services