HIV - PrEP and nPEP

Some interesting facts about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): .
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Most people know it’s spread through bodily fluids, namely penile and vaginal secretions, semen, blood, and breastmilk. Though some believe it’s spread through saliva - it’s never been proven to spread this way. .
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While there is no cure for HIV, there is treatment that works so well that it can make the viral load undetectable and even non-transmittable! Scientific studies have shown that individuals with the HIV virus who are receiving treatment and have an undetectable viral load do not transmit the virus to their sexual partners, nor to babies during childbirth. It is still recommended in Canada to use formula rather than breastfeed even with an undetectable viral load. .
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There are also treatments called PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and nPEP (post exposure prophylaxis) for those who’ve been exposed or are at a high risk of exposure to the virus. PrEP is a daily pill taken that can reduce the risk of transmission up to 99%, this is typically used in individual who are at high risk, such as someone with a partner that has HIV. PEP has been shown to reduce the risk of infection by 90% - 99%, if used earlier than 72 hours post exposure and not necessarily available everywhere. These treatments should be used in conjunction with condoms rather than instead of. .
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With all the treatments available HIV no longer needs to be a death sentence nor stigmatized in ways it has been in the past. For more information about this visit the catie.ca website.