While navigating HIV can feel complicated and overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. By owning your status and trusting the tools that protect your health, you can take your power back — whether that’s staying negative through PrEP or staying undetectable through treatment.

Uncomplicated: What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. While there is no cure, highly effective medications can decrease the amount of HIV in the body — known as the viral load — to an undetectable level.

  • How it Spreads: The most common way to get HIV is through unprotected anal or vaginal sex with someone who doesn’t know they have HIV or who does not have the disease controlled. HIV is not spread through casual contact such as kissing or sharing utensils.
  • Other Risks: Sharing needles or injection-drug equipment can result in infection. HIV can also be passed on during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.

Unquestionable: Testing is Power 

The only way to know whether you’ve contracted HIV is to get tested. Knowing your status helps you make real-time, informed decisions to protect your health and the health of your community.

  • Fast & Simple Results: Rapid HIV tests are designed for speed and ease.
    • Results in Minutes: Get answers in 20 to 30 minutes, with some tests working as fast as one minute.
    • Non-Invasive: These tests involve a simple oral swab or a quick finger stick.
  • Local Access: Free or low-cost confidential testing is available at local health departments, community-based organizations, and federally qualified health centers.

Find a testing site through the Local Health Department (LHD) directory

The 72-Hour Safety Net: Emergency PEP

If you think you were exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, emergency post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can prevent an infection. Treatment is possible at a HIV care center near you.

Find a nearby location using zipcode search

Undeniable: The Power of PrEP

For those who are HIV-negative, PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a safe, effective prescription medicine — available as a daily pill or an injectable — that is estimated to be 99% effective at preventing HIV from sexual transmission.

  • How do I get it? Most health insurance and Medicaid plans cover the cost. North Carolina provides dedicated regional coordinators to help you navigate your options.

Find a Dedicated Regional Coordinator (PDF)

Find a PrEP Provider now

Untransmittable: Staying Undetectable

If you have HIV, taking your medicine as prescribed (antiretroviral therapy or ART) is the best way to stay healthy and protect others.

  • Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U): Taking your medication as prescribed to keep an undetectable viral load (<200 copies/mL) is the best thing you can do to stay healthy and prevent transmitting HIV to your partner through sex.
  • Get treated: Treatment reduces the amount of HIV in your body and helps you stay healthy. Most people can achieve an undetectable viral load within six months of consistently taking ART.
  • Stay consistent: It is important to stick to your treatment schedule and keep your doctor’s appointments.

Unburdened: Care & Support

Financial barriers shouldn’t prevent you from accessing the care and support you need to remain healthy. Low-income individuals and families in North Carolina may be eligible for NCDHHS HIV Prevention and Care services.
 

More Information

Off