HIV Treatment in Florida

Free HIV Testing, Treatment & Prevention Services

HIV Care

HIV Testing

HIV testing is an important step in identifying HIV infections and starting treatment. HIV tests detect antibodies or antigens produced by the body in response to an HIV infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested at least once as part of routine health care, and those who have a high risk for HIV, such as people who have multiple sexual partners or inject drugs, should be tested more frequently.It’s important to be aware that HIV tests only detect antibodies or antigens for the virus. Therefore, there is a window period, between the time of infection and when the test can detect it, that may vary from person to person. Therefore, it’s important to get retested after a potential exposure if a test taken during the window period is negative. LifeLine Health can help you if you believe you were exposed to HIV.

HIV Treatment

At LifeLine Health, we are committed to stopping the spread of HIV with modern treatment plans to those in need. Treatment for HIV, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), can suppress the virus and allow people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives. ART works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, which allows the immune system to repair itself and maintain a healthy immune response. The goal of treatment is to achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load, which greatly reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others. ART is typically a combination of drugs, taken as a single daily pill, known as a “cocktail” or “regimen.” The specific combination of drugs prescribed will depend on an individual’s viral load, CD4 count, and other factors. It’s important to start ART as soon as possible after being diagnosed with HIV, even if symptoms are not yet present. Early initiation of ART can prevent HIV-related illnesses and also reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others. ART is a lifelong treatment, and it’s important to take the medication as prescribed and to attend regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider to monitor treatment response and manage any side effects. Adherence to the regimen is key to achieve optimal results. It’s also important to keep in mind that ART may not completely cure HIV, but it can control the virus to undetectable levels, prevent HIV-related illnesses, and promote a long and healthy life.

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Is HIV treatable?

Yes, HIV is a treatable condition. There are several antiretroviral (ARV) drugs available that can effectively suppress the virus, allowing people living with HIV to lead long and healthy lives. These drugs work by preventing the virus from replicating and damaging the immune system, which allows the body to repair itself and maintain a healthy immune response. When used in combination, these medications are known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), and they are able to reduce the amount of virus in the blood, known as the viral load, to undetectable levels. When a person’s viral load is undetectable, they are considered to have achieved viral suppression, which reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others. HIV is a chronic condition, so people living with HIV will likely need to take ART for the rest of their lives, but with the right care and support, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and lead a good quality of life. It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider who can provide the right treatment and support.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is primarily transmitted through certain bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways that people become infected with HIV are through:

Unprotected sexual contact: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs: HIV can be transmitted when needles or other equipment that has been used by an HIV-positive person is reused by someone else.

From mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding: HIV can be transmitted from a mother living with HIV to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Blood transfusion or organ transplant: HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants with infected blood or organs.

It’s important to note that HIV is not transmitted through everyday activities like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils.

It’s also worth mentioning that, although the risk of transmitting HIV through oral sex is lower than that of other sexual behaviors, it is still possible to transmit the virus by this way.

I am pregnant and HIV positive. Will my child be born with HIV?

If you are pregnant and living with HIV, it’s important to seek medical care right away. With appropriate medical care and treatment, the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be significantly reduced. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the most effective method for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. ART can suppress the virus in the mother’s body, lowering the risk of the virus being passed on to the baby during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant and HIV-positive, you’ll be closely monitored by a team of healthcare professionals, including an obstetrician, an HIV specialist and a pediatrician. They will work together to ensure the best possible care for you and your baby. They may advise you to start the ART treatment or adjust the current regimen during pregnancy. This is necessary to achieve an undetectable viral load, which is critical in minimizing the chance of mother-to-child transmission. It’s also important to know that there is a small chance that your child may still become infected despite all the preventative measures. Therefore it’s important to test the baby for HIV shortly after birth and continue monitoring the baby’s HIV status after delivery. It’s worth noting that mother-to-child transmission of HIV is rare in developed countries due to improved treatment and awareness, as long as the mother is diagnosed and treated early.

Listen To What Our Patients Say…

Cristina Anderson

I am thankful to the nice people at Lifeline Health. I was so scared when I found out I had been exposed. They guided me and made me feel so at ease. I have not had an issues and I know it’s because I went to Lifeline Health first.

Juan Bustamonte

Thankfully there are places like Lifeline Health to get tested. This place is lowering the risk for our community by educating us and providing the resources to stay healthy. They are making positive changes in the community.

Let's Talk Privately

Connect with a Lifeline Health staff member in-person at your local health center to receive the care you need. You can conveniently make an appointment online to get started.