Know HIV. No Fear.
When It Comes to HIV, Nothing’s More Powerful Than Knowledge
When you know the facts about HIV, there's no fear. Because the fact is, HIV has changed a lot of the last 40 years. There are more effective, easy and affordable ways to prevent, test for and treat HIV than ever. There are more sources for information and support, too. So nobody living with or affected by HIV has to be in this alone. Get in the know on HIV to protect yourself and others, and live the long, healthy life you want. Columbus Public Health can help.
HIV Testing
Knowing your HIV status is an important step in taking care of your sexual health. Luckily, today HIV testing is usually quick, discreet and often free. You can even do it at home.
HIV Prevention
There are many ways to prevent HIV transmission—especially before, during and after sex. Like condoms, talking openly and taking PrEP, a once-daily pill that helps you stay HIV-negative.
HIV Treatment
HIV treatment works. Starting and sticking with a treatment plan helps ensure your healthiest days are still ahead of you—and can seriously reduce the risk of passing HIV on to others.
Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE)
Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America is a bold plan that aims to end the HIV epidemic in the United States by 2030. EHE is the operational plan developed by communities across the country to pursue that goal. The plan leverages critical scientific advances in HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and outbreak response by coordinating the highly successful programs, resources and infrastructure of many agencies and people.
Talking Openly Is Everything
Having fearless conversations with your partners, health care providers, and the people you live, work and play with is a great way to protect your health. It respects your partners, too, and helps stamp out the outdated info and misperceptions that can hold our whole community back. So when should you talk about HIV?
Before you do it: Whether you're hooking up or injecting together, it's important to talk openly with your partner before you share a bed or a needle. Be sure they know your status and health history, talk about the last time you got tested, and make your safety preferences and expectations clear.
With your circle: Talking about HIV with the people in your life isn't easy, but it can be worth it. Whether you share your status or just discuss all the ways HIV has changed, you help others learn more and fear less. Being brave can help you build a circle of acceptance and support.
During every check-up: It's every doctor's job to provide confidentiality and care without judgment. But they can't help you if they don't know you. That's why it's important to share your drug use and sexual history, ask questions, and let them know HIV testing, prevention and treatment is important to you.