Select Page

About HIV

On this page:

 

Download our HIV brochure | English | Spanish |

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Without treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Today, with proper treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives, have healthy children, and cannot transmit HIV if they maintain an undetectable viral load (Undetectable=Untransmittable).

Back to top

How HIV spreads

  • HIV is spread through bodily fluids like blood, semen, rectal/vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
  • Sexual contact with someone who has HIV and is not using protection with condoms or preventive medication can spread the infection.
  • HIV can also be spread through the sharing needles or injection equipment.
  • Without proper treatment, HIV can spread from a parent to a baby during pregnancy or childbirth, but preventive treatment can eliminate this risk for parents living with HIV.
  • Parents living with HIV can spread the infection through breastfeeding even with preventive treatment, but one’s healthcare provider can help parents find the best infant feeding method for the family.

HIV does not spread through casual contact, hugging, kissing, sharing dishes or drinks, or using the same toilet.

Back to top

Symptoms

  • Many people have no symptoms for years after infection.
  • Possible early symptoms (2–4 weeks after exposure) include fever, sore throat, fatigue, rash, and swollen lymph nodes (similar to the flu).
  • Later symptoms, if untreated, can include rapid weight loss, persistent diarrhea, chronic fatigue, mouth sores, and other infections.

Back to top

Protect yourself and others

  • Condoms – Use condoms or dental dams during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
  • PrEP – PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): A daily pill or long-acting injection for HIV-negative individuals that reduces the risk of HIV by up to 99%.
  • PEP – PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Emergency medication started within 72 hours after potential exposure, to prevent HIV infection.
  • Doxy PEP – Doxy PEP is a preventive option to reduce the risk of bacterial STIs for some individuals. Discuss with your doctor.
  • Knowing your status, starting treatment early and taking your medication consistently, and practicing prevention are the best ways to stop HIV.

Back to top

Other prevention tips

  • Never share needles or injection equipment to avoid HIV and other infections that spread through blood.
  • Get tested regularly and encourage partners to do the same.
  • Talk openly with partners and your doctor about STI and HIV prevention—it’s part of healthy communication.

Back to top

Pregnancy and HIV

  • Pregnant individuals living with HIV can take ART during pregnancy to reduce the chance of passing HIV to their babies to less than 1%.
  • Safe delivery practices and medication for the baby further protect against transmission.
  • HIV can also be transmitted during breastfeeding without proper treatment.

Pregnancy & HIV resources:

Back to top

Get tested

  • The only way to know your HIV status is through testing.
  • Modern HIV tests are fast, reliable, and widely available.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment helps people stay healthy and prevent HIV transmission to others.
  • Regular screening is recommended, especially for sexually active people under age 25 or anyone with new or multiple partners.
  • Find testing sites in suburban Cook County.
  • Request free condoms.

Having an STI does not define who you are—getting tested and treated is a normal part of taking care of your health.

Back to top

Get treated

  • Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV. ART lowers the amount of virus in your body (viral load) to undetectable levels, keeping your immune system strong.
  • Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U): People with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot pass HIV to sexual partners.
  • Treatment is lifelong, but allows people to live normal, healthy lives.

Back to top

Follow up for reportable STIs

(Chlamydia/Gonorrhea/Syphilis/Mpox/HIV) are reportable conditions, requiring doctors and laboratories to notify health departments when they find a positive test result. This means that your local health department may reach out to you if your test results are positive. Here’s what comes next:

  • Ensure you’ve been able to access treatment and that treatment was appropriate
  • The health department will provide you with more information on STIs
  • The health department collects a brief sexual history and possible exposure timeline
  • Your cooperation helps stop the infection from spreading in the community
  • Help you connect with accessible and affordable care and case management throughout suburban Cook County.

Your personal information is protected under HIPAA regulations, and everything you share is completely confidential.

  • People with HIV who take treatment as prescribed can live long, healthy lives.
  • Knowing your status, starting treatment early, and practicing prevention are the best ways to stop HIV.

Back to top

Medical care and case management

  • Medical care and case management services are available to people living with HIV in Illinois regardless of medical insurance status.
  • These services help connect individuals to treatment, support programs, and other essential resources like food banks, housing assistance, transportation, financial support etc.
  • The Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center provides specialized HIV/AIDS care and has peer navigators can help you connect to and stay in treatment.

Back to top

Updated July 15, 2026, 8:54 PM

X