Yes, HIV is Still a Thing!

Written By Guest User

You might have heard someone ask, “Is HIV still a thing?” While it may seem like an outdated concern, the answer is a resounding yes. HIV is still a major public health issue, and it’s not as far removed from our community as you might think. In fact, Duval County ranked 4th in Florida for new HIV diagnoses in 2022. That means there's a lot of work left to do in Jacksonville to raise awareness about HIV, its prevention, and support for those living with it. HIV is no longer a death sentence like it once was, but challenges like stigma, discrimination, and unequal healthcare access still remain.

So, What Is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that weakens the immune system by attacking cells that help your body fight infections. It’s spread through certain bodily fluids, mainly during unprotected sex or by sharing injection drug equipment. You can find more details about HIV at HIV.gov.

And What About AIDS?
AIDS is often misunderstood as a separate virus, but it’s actually the late-stage condition caused by HIV. AIDS occurs when the immune system is severely damaged, and a person’s CD4 count drops below 200 or they develop certain infections. While not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS, everyone who has AIDS is living with HIV. Thanks to advances in medicine, people with HIV, including those diagnosed with AIDS, can live long and healthy lives with treatment.

How Can You Prevent HIV?
There are several ways you can prevent HIV, and we’re here to help you figure out the best approach for you.

  • Prevention: If you’re HIV-negative, a daily pill called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce your risk of contracting HIV by up to 99% during sex. And let’s not forget about condoms—when used correctly, they prevent HIV and other STIs. Some people use both PrEP and condoms, and we say, why not? The more protection, the better! Need free condoms? We’ve got you covered.

  • Testing: Regular testing is a key part of staying healthy. We recommend testing every 3 months if you’re sexually active. At JASMYN, HIV testing only takes 15 minutes, and we also offer self-testing kits so you can test on your own schedule.

  • Treatment: Did you know that taking HIV medicine as prescribed is a form of prevention? It’s true—when you maintain an undetectable viral load, you can’t transmit HIV through sex. This is called Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). Although there’s no cure for HIV, getting undetectable can help you live a long, healthy life.

Support and Care
Treatment is just one part of the puzzle. At JASMYN, we recognize that the care you need goes beyond your HIV status. We’re here for support, community, and to help you access medical care when you're ready. And remember, you are more than your HIV status. We offer support spaces for people living with HIV, helping you stay connected and empowered.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health
HIV prevention, treatment, and care are deeply influenced by factors like affordable housing, healthcare access, and education. At JASMYN, we recognize that things like homophobia, transphobia, and racism can create barriers to prevention methods. We believe in providing comprehensive sexual health education and addressing these social factors to reduce HIV disparities and improve overall health.

HIV is still here, but with the right knowledge and support, we can keep fighting for a healthier, more inclusive community. Let’s continue the conversation and work together to make a difference.

Guest User