HIV Basics: What Diagnosis and Treatment Look Like

Hearing “HIV” can bring up a lot of fear and confusion. But the truth is, there’s a lot of hope.

Today, people with HIV are living long, healthy lives with the right care. The first step? Understanding the HIV basics.

This means knowing how HIV is diagnosed, how it affects your body, and how treatment works.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or just want to learn more, this guide will help you get the facts, cut through the stigma, and feel more confident about what comes next.

How is HIV Transmitted?

Understanding how HIV is passed from one person to another can help you protect your health and support others with care and confidence. 

Here are the most common ways HIV is transmitted:

• Sex without Protection: HIV can be passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex when a partner living with HIV isn’t on treatment and condoms aren’t used.
• Sharing Needles or Syringes: This includes injection drug use, and in rare cases, tools used for tattoos, piercings, or medical procedures that haven’t been properly sterilized.
• Pregnancy, Childbirth, or Breastfeeding: A parent living with HIV can pass the virus to their baby. However, the risk can be very low with the right care and medication.
• Blood Transfusions or Organ Transplants: While this is extremely rare today, HIV transmission can happen if infected blood or organs are used. 

It’s important to note that HIV does not spread through hugging, kissing, sharing food, using the same toilet, or from sweat, tears, or insect bites.

Understanding HIV Diagnosis and Treatment

Getting tested is the first step in taking charge of your health. There are several reliable ways to find out if you have HIV, and each test plays an important role.

1. Antibody Tests: These are the most common tests. They check for antibodies your body makes in response to HIV. Testing can be done using a small sample of blood or saliva.
2. Antigen/antibody Tests: These look for antibodies and antigens, proteins made by the virus. They can detect HIV earlier than antibody-only tests.
3. Nucleic Acid Tests (NATs): These tests check for the virus’s genetic material. NATs can spot HIV as early as one to two weeks after exposure. They’re usually used in higher-risk cases or when early testing is critical.

The main approach to treatment is antiretroviral therapy (ART), a daily combination of medications that helps control the virus.

 ART doesn’t cure HIV, but it does keep the virus at very low levels, allowing your immune system to stay strong and lowering the risk of transmission.

When started early, ART offers the best path to long-term health.

With consistent treatment, regular check-ins, and the right support, people living with HIV can lead full, healthy lives.

Your Partner in Compassionate HIV Care and Support in Fort Myers, FL

At The McGregor Clinic, your care and well-being come first.

We offer confidential HIV testing, personalized treatment, and dedicated support for every stage of your care. 

Our experienced providers work closely with you to create a treatment plan that supports your health and helps you achieve viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART).

For over 25 years, we’ve proudly served our community through compassionate care, prevention services and active outreach.

Call us at 239-334-9555 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

Disclaimer: The information presented on The McGregor Clinic’s website is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.