HIV/AIDS

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and weakens its defense against many infections and some types of cancer. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition. There is no effective cure for HIV, but treatments such as ART, PrEP, and PEP can suppress a person’s viral load until it’s undetectable and untransmittable, allowing for long, healthy lives and safe sexual intercourse. HIV/AIDS has disproportionately affected queer people in the U.S. with gay and bi+ men making up 70% of all new infections in 2019. For more.