HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care
Knowing your health status helps you and your care team choose the best care for you.
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV attacks the immune system. The immune system helps your body fight sickness. HIV makes it harder for you to stay healthy. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS.
HIV is spread through certain bodily fluids:
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids
- Rectal fluids
- Breast milk
Common ways HIV is spread:
- Having vaginal or anal sex without protection
- Sharing needles or syringes
- From parent to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
AIDS
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is the most serious stage of the HIV infection. There is no cure for AIDS. However, antiretroviral therapy (ART) allows people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and prevents the spread of HIV.
CCI Health Services uses a Status Neutral approach for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This means:
Diagnose early
Treat quickly
Prevent future infections
Respond with care and support
No matter your status, we are here to give you the care you need.
Diagnose. At CCI, HIV testing is part of regular care. There is no shame in getting tested for HIV. It is an important step in protecting your health. We ask all patients if they would like an HIV test.
Treat. Knowing your HIV status helps you take control of your health. People living with HIV can stay healthy by taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART lowers the amount of HIV in the body. This helps protect the immune system and prevents passing HIV to others.
Prevent. CCI offers many ways to help prevent HIV, including health education and medication:
PrEP (Pre‑Exposure Prophylaxis)
PrEP is a medicine taken before possible HIV exposure. It greatly lowers the chance of getting HIV.
Types of PrEP may include:
–A daily pill
–A long‑acting injection
PEP (Post‑Exposure Prophylaxis)
PEP is a medicine taken after possible HIV exposure. It must be started within 72 hours.
DoxyPEP
DoxyPEP is an antibiotic that may help prevent some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) after sex. Ask your care team if this option is right for you.
CCI has virtual visits for PrEP and PEP. We also offer same-day PrEP.
Respond. CCI enjoys connecting with our community to help prevent HIV. You may see our caring team:
At local community events
Visiting older adults in senior living communities
Talking with students and school groups
Hosting HIV testing events
Sharing helpful and easy-to-understand information about HIV prevention
Services include:
Health education
Behavioral health support
Help telling others safely about an HIV diagnosis
Nutrition support
Ongoing care for different infectious diseases
Whether your test result is positive or negative, we are here to support you with prevention, testing, and treatment.
Call Our Main Phone Number
No matter your location, call our main line to schedule over the phone.
Log in or Sign up for our Patient Portal
Signing up for the patient portal takes just 5 minutes. On the patient portal, you can see your health information, request a visit, and refill medications.
