Annually on December 1, we observe World AIDS Day. As the first global health day, it is essential to reflect on the world's response to HIV/AIDS and honor the lives of those lost to AIDS-related illnesses. Today and beyond, Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties is committed to individuals at risk and living with HIV. We will continue fighting to end the stigma and discrimination against HIV and stop the spread of new cases through education and testing.
Global health can only be achieved with equity. To end the HIV epidemic, we need to ensure that all people have access to HIV education, prevention, and treatment — no matter where they live. It must be accessible, stigma-free, comprehensive, people-centered, as well as supported by policies that advance everyone’s health and human rights.
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that damages the immune system. If left untreated, it can cause someone to become very sick and eventually can lead to a final stage of the infection, called AIDS. In the United States, it is rare that someone with HIV develops AIDS because taking HIV medications every day as prescribed does stop the progression of the infection. It is most commonly spread through contact with semen, pre-ejaculate fluids, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, blood and/or breastmilk — usually during unprotected acts of sex or by sharing injection drug equipment, such as needles. HIV can affect anybody regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. Worldwide, approximately 1.5 million are diagnosed with HIV yearly, including over 35,000 new cases in the U.S.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HIV Surveillance Report (2020), the number of new HIV diagnoses was highest among people ages 25 to 34, and Black and Latino people are disproportionately affected by HIV. California is the second-highest state of new cases in the United States and has the highest number of people living with HIV in the country.
Prevention: Get Tested
It can be challenging for someone to know if they are infected with HIV just by the way they look or feel because most people who are infected with HIV may not have symptoms for years. The only way to know for sure if a person has HIV is to get tested. It’s recommended for people who are having sexual contact to get tested for HIV at least once per year, even if they are in a committed relationship. If an individual is engaging in activities that are more at risk of contracting HIV, such as men who have sex with men, people who are engaging in sex work, or IV drug users – it is suggested they get tested every 3-6 months.
HIV Testing is Quick & Painless
HIV testing is painless and simple. Testing for HIV can be as simple as a quick finger prick or a blood draw, and sometimes results can be ready in less than 30 minutes. Although there is no cure for HIV, people who are on treatment and continue to take their medication as prescribed can still live normal lives and do things like be in relationships, have sex, have children, etc.
PrEP & PEP
In addition to regular testing, there are also medications that can prevent the spread to HIV. PrEP is a daily pill intended for people who are not living with HIV that can protect folks who might be more at risk of contracting the virus – they can talk to their healthcare provider to find out if PrEP is right for them. There is also an emergency medication called PEP, which is taken within 72 hours of exposure to HIV to help reduce the risk of transmission. This can be obtained at any hospital emergency room or someone could call their healthcare provider for more information.
HIV Treatment
There’s no cure for HIV but there are treatments that can help a person stay healthy and lower their chances of spreading HIV to others. This is called "treatment as prevention” and works because it keeps a HIV person’s viral load down so low, it cannot be transmitted to another person.
Planned Parenthood Cares
People living with HIV can live healthy, fulfilling lives with treatment and support. Planned Parenthood continues our commitment to protect and expand HIV/AIDS health care and education as part of sexual and reproductive health services.
Planned Parenthood has services to help prevent HIV and support HIV-positive individuals and their partners. We offer services in:
- HIV Testing
- HIV Test Education
- HIV Referrals
- HIV Case Management
- HIV Prevention (PEP and PrEP)
- Other HIV Services
Take care of yourself and make sure to include HIV testing as part of your self-care routine. Together we can stop the spread of HIV.
HIV Resources
- Learn more about HIV and HIV Testing available at Planned Parenthood
- Learn about available support services for people living with HIV with the Foothill Aids Project
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