At Aslan Health, we believe in empowering our community with accurate, life-saving health information — because education is the first step toward prevention and healing. Today, we’re sharing essential information about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), including prevention, testing, treatment, and how Aslan Health can help.
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help fight infections. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
However, with early diagnosis and effective treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and prevent the transmission of the virus to others.
How is HIV Transmitted?
HIV is primarily spread through certain body fluids:
- Blood
- Semen
- Pre-seminal fluid
- Rectal fluids
- Vaginal fluids
- Breast milk
The most common ways HIV is transmitted:
- Unprotected sexual contact with someone who has HIV.
- Sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment.
- From mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding (without treatment).
- Less commonly, through blood transfusions (in countries where blood isn’t screened).
You cannot get HIV from casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, sharing dishes, or using the same toilet.
Symptoms of HIV
Many people with HIV don’t have symptoms right away. However, some may experience flu-like symptoms 2-4 weeks after infection:
- Fever
- Chills
- Rash
- Night sweats
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth ulcers
These symptoms may last for a few days or weeks, but the virus remains in the body, even after they go away.
Without treatment, HIV gradually weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of serious infections and certain cancers.
HIV Testing: The Only Way to Know
Early testing is crucial.
Many people with HIV do not realize they have it, which can lead to unknowingly transmitting the virus to others.
Who Should Get Tested?
- Everyone between ages 13 and 64 should be tested at least once.
- Individuals with higher risk (multiple sexual partners, those who inject drugs, etc.) should be tested more frequently.
- Pregnant women should always be tested.
HIV Prevention
There is no cure for HIV yet, but there are many effective ways to prevent it:
- Practice safer sex: Use condoms every time.
- Get tested: Know your status and your partner’s status.
- Limit sexual partners and avoid high-risk behaviors.
- Never share needles or syringes.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): A daily medication that reduces the risk of HIV from sex by 99% when taken as prescribed.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): A short-term treatment started within 72 hours after possible exposure to prevent infection.
HIV Treatment
HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of medications that:
- Reduces the amount of HIV in the body (viral load).
- Helps the immune system recover.
- Prevents HIV-related complications.
- Reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others.
People with HIV who take ART as prescribed can reach undetectable viral levels, meaning they cannot transmit the virus through sex (known as U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).
How Aslan Health Can Help
At Aslan Health, we are here to support you with:
- Confidential, judgment-free HIV testing — $75 for an office visit and $30 for the HIV test.
- Education and prevention counseling.
- Referrals for HIV treatment and additional resources.
We are committed to caring for the whole person — physical, emotional, and spiritual health — and we believe every individual deserves dignity, compassion, and hope.
Protect Yourself and Your Community
Getting tested is an act of love — for yourself and those around you. If you have concerns about HIV or need testing, we are here for you. Walk in or book an appointment today.
Aslan Health — Caring for our Neighbors.
📞 Call us at: 320-297-6800
🌐 Or schedule online at: https://aslanclinic.com
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – HIV Basics
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – HIV.gov
- World Health Organization (WHO) – HIV/AIDS