HIV is a chronic condition that can be managed by taking medication. People living with HIV can now live longer, healthier, sexually active lives.
If someone tests positive for HIV, it's important to get it treated right away. It's essential to get connected to care, take medication correctly, and regularly visit the doctor.
Medication can prevent HIV from being contagious to other people. When taken correctly, medication can lower the amount of the HIV virus in the body so much that tests can’t find it. This is called having an undetectable viral load. When someone's viral load is undetectable, it is not possible for them to pass HIV to other people, including loved ones, infants, and sexual partners. Undetectable = untransmittable (U=U).
Treating HIV can be affordable, even for people who don't have insurance. There are programs that help pay for the medical expenses of people who are living with HIV. Learn more about help paying for HIV care on the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Ryan White Program Services web page.
To get connected to HIV care:
If you need help finding care, please call us at 541-682-4041.
Learn more about HIV treatment from End HIV Oregon.