Healthy people use these kinds of therapies to try to make their immune systems stronger and to make themselves feel better in general. People who have diseases or illnesses, such as HIV, use these therapies for the same reasons. They also can use these therapies to help deal with symptoms of the disease or side effects from the medicines that treat the disease.
HIV/AIDS
Several studies have shown that PrEP reduced the risk of getting HIV infection. Men who have sex with men (MSM) who were given PrEP medication were 44 % overall less likely to get HIV infection compared to those who took no PrEP medication.
Study Shows Antiretroviral Therapy Blocks HIV Transmission A groundbreaking study has revealed that the risk of passing on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is completely eliminated when HIV-positive individuals are undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to suppress the virus. Published in medical journal The Lancet, the study monitored nearly 1,000 male same-sex […]
KEY POINTS: AIDS is the leading cause of death among young people (aged 10-24) in Africa, and second leading cause globally Young women are twice as likely to acquire HIV as young men A youth bulge in Africa threatens to increase new HIV infections further Unprotected sex is the most […]
KEY POINTS: Transgender people are 49 times more at risk of living with HIV compared to the general population. Transgender people often face social and legal exclusion, economic vulnerability, and are at an increased risk of experiencing violence. Disempowerment and low self-esteem make transgender women, in particular, less likely or […]
High HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men around the world is evidence that prevention strategies are failing to reach this group. Reports from 20 countries in 2009 and 2013 show that the percentage of men who have sex with men reached by HIV prevention programmes fell from […]
From one of my favourite blogs – ON THE AGENDA There are HIV-negative gay men in this world who would knowingly have sex (and perform risky sexual acts) with someone who has no clue what his status is or never gets tested than an HIV-positive undetectable gay man, who adheres […]
By Ellen Friedrichs LGBT Teens Expert Question: Can Internal, or Female, Condoms Be Used for Anal Sex? “Female” or “internal” condoms are non-latex polyurethane pouches that are designed to be worn in the vagina during vaginal intercourse. However, this type of condom can also be worn in the anus for […]
Are HIV prevention strategies really something to be concerned about? In a new public service announcement produced by GLAAD and The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, celebrities including Nathan Lane and Neil Patrick Harris ask, “Why aren’t we talking about AIDS?” The PSA, which also highlights some startling […]
Last updated 4/26/2016; last reviewed 4/26/2016) Key Points In the United States, gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) are the population most affected by HIV. Among all gay and bisexual men, African Americans are the racial/ethnic group most affected by HIV. CDC recommends that […]
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) (Last updated 8/30/2016; last reviewed 8/30/2016) Key Points Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involves taking antiretroviral (ARV) medicines very soon after a possible exposure to HIV to prevent becoming infected with HIV. PEP should be started as soon as possible to be effective and always within 72 hours (3 […]
(Last updated 9/13/2016; last reviewed 9/8/2016) Key Points HIV gradually destroys the immune system by attacking and killing a type of white blood cell called a CD4 cell. CD4 cells play a major role in protecting the body from infection. HIV uses the machinery of the CD4 cells […]
‘No one should die alone, and no one should be in the hospital on their death beds with family calling to say “this was gods punishment”. My friends and I, men and women, acted as a protective layer for ill friends, and companion to mutual friends juggling the same, difficult reality of trying to be there, and be strong when we were losing our family right and left. Difficult times, that should never be forgotten.’
