As an HIV specialist, I have witnessed how a diagnosis of HIV can be overwhelming for my patients. However, significant progress has been made in treatment and care since the HIV-AIDS epidemic began in 1981. Today, with the right treatments and medical approach, individuals with HIV can live long, healthy and fruitful lives.
Knowing your HIV status is crucial — it helps reduce transmission, informs treatment options and empowers you to take control of your health. Whether you’re seeking treatment or prevention options, learning your HIV status early can greatly improve long-term health outcomes.
As we mark HIV/AIDS Awareness Month in December, we commemorate the lives lost, breakthroughs discovered and advancements made in the treatment and detection of the virus.
HIV is no longer a death sentence
During the HIV crisis in the 1980s, being diagnosed with HIV was considered a fatal outcome. However, by 2022, there were 39 million people living with HIV worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. That year, 630,000 people died from HIV-related illnesses, but with the advent of prevention and post-exposure treatments, death (or even discomfort) does not need to be a factor.
Medications like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) are essential in the prevention, treatment and spread of the virus. PrEP is more than 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission when taken correctly, while PEP can reduce the likelihood of transmission if started within 72 hours of exposure. These treatments can be life-saving by preventing the virus from taking hold in the body. If you believe you have been exposed to the virus, it’s critical that you reach out to a trusted health care provider immediately to obtain PEP.
HIV is not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community
HIV affects people of all genders, sexual orientations and backgrounds. It’s not just a condition that affects gay men. Unprotected sex, intravenous drug use and contact with contaminated blood can all lead to HIV transmission. The “gay disease” stigma is not only damaging to the LGBTQ+ community, but it also makes people of other sexualities feel like they don’t need to worry about exposure — a potentially dangerous health message to convey.
In 2021, heterosexual contact accounted for 22% of new HIV infections in the U.S., according to HIV.gov. Of those, 15% were heterosexual women and 7% were heterosexual men. It’s essential for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, to practice safe sex, get regular STI screenings and educate themselves about HIV prevention.
Early HIV symptoms aren’t always clear
HIV doesn’t immediately show visible signs after exposure. Most individuals will develop flu-like symptoms two to four weeks after contracting the virus, including fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, rashes, sore throats, fever and body aches.
According to HIV.gov, approximately 13% of people living with HIV in the U.S. are unaware of their diagnosis. This highlights the importance of regular testing, particularly for those who engage in unprotected sex or use intravenous drugs.
HIV cases are rising in Arizona
In 2022, Arizona saw a 20% increase in new HIV diagnoses, as reported in the 2024 HIV Surveillance Report. Of the 975 new cases that year, 405 were among Hispanic patients, making it the largest ethnic group affected.
These statistics are meant to raise awareness, not stigmatize any single group. With Arizona’s large Hispanic population, this trend could potentially lead to further increases in new cases unless addressed through increased testing, education and treatment.
You are not alone in living with HIV
A diagnosis of HIV can feel isolating, but it’s more common than many realize — and it is manageable with the right treatment. There are support networks and resources available to people living with HIV, such as Positively You AZ, Chicanos Por La Causa, and the Aunt Rita’s Foundation, among others. These organizations can provide education resources, support groups and guide you on your path to finding effective care.
By knowing your HIV status and seeking the appropriate care, you are taking important steps toward safeguarding your health and well-being. Do not fear the stigma HIV/AIDS once carried. By empowering yourself with information about the virus, you take the first line of defense against it. With advancements in treatments in 2024, no one needs to suffer or die from HIV/AIDS.
At Be Well Health and Be Well Family Care, we understand that getting an appointment with a primary care provider on short notice can be challenging. That’s why our clinics focus on providing judgment-free care on short notice. If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, want to know your status or need information about prevention, please walk in or schedule an appointment online at either location.
Editor’s note: Micaela Simon, FNP-C, AAHIVS, is a co-owner and HIV specialist at Be Well Health and Be Well Family Care. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
