HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that is typically contracted through sexual encounters with someone who has HIV. HIV will harm your immune system by destroying white blood cells, the main component for your body to fight against infections. 

There are various ways someone may contract HIV, including: 

• unprotected sex with someone who has HIV

• sharing drug equipment and blood swapping occurs

• mother to baby (during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding) 

ANYONE can receive HIV and if wanting to prevent contracting HIV or in the case of HIV exposure, individuals should seek to start PrEP or PEP, respectively. 

Individuals who test positive for HIV are able to undergo medical care to keep it under control, to the point where their viral load (amount of HIV in the body) becomes undetectable and untransmittable to someone else. The common phrase U=U (undetectable = untransmittable) is used to describe these individuals. 

If left without care, HIV will evolve into its final stage of AIDS. 

Those diagnosed with HIV or AIDS should seek out primary care to help management of these infections. There are programs in LA County that can help with the expenses of doctor's visits or medication coverage: 

• ADAP: The AIDS Drug Assistance Program helps California residents with HIV care, whether they are insured or not.  

• Ryan White: After the nationally known case of individual Ryan White receiving AIDS through a blood transfusion in 1984, this program focuses on the treatment of care of those living with HIV/AIDS. They offer coverage and assistance to those who are insured or not to manage this disease.