For known HIV exposure, call the Nurse Advice Line 512-475-6877 (NURS) immediately to be evaluated for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP is only effective within the first 72 hours after exposure.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection that can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if untreated. HIV can be transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or breast milk of an HIV-infected person.
Advances in antiretroviral therapies (ART) mean that people with HIV infection can live long, healthy lives. Approximately 1.1 million people in the United States currently live with HIV.
Common Symptoms
HIV infection progresses through three stages.
Acute HIV infection occurs two to four weeks after infection. Some people have flu-like symptoms. Others do not.
Clinical latency follows acute HIV infection. Many people do not have symptoms, although the virus continues to replicate in the body. Consistent use of ART helps slow replication, allowing many people to stay in this stage for decades.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the third stage of HIV infection in which the virus has severely damaged the immune system. People are highly vulnerable to potentially fatal opportunistic infections --- infections caused by pathogens that normally do not cause significant illness in people with healthy immune systems. Symptoms include flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph glands, chronic fatigue, persistent diarrhea, fever, night sweats, memory loss or confusion, and weight loss.
Prevention and Treatment
Sexual transmission of HIV disease can be dramatically reduced by using condoms and dental dams correctly and consistently.
A blood test can detect HIV infection as early as the acute infection stage. Those testing positive for HIV, can manage the virus with ART. A number of support groups for those with HIV infection exist in Austin.
To get the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment and to avoid transmitting an infection to others, sexually active individuals should get tested regularly for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), including HIV, even if they do not have symptoms.
Pre-Exposure Medication (PrEP)
Along with safer sex practices, Truvada (a pre-exposure prescription medication known as PReP) can help significantly lower one’s risk of being infected with HIV. Truvada, a pill, must be taken daily to work best at keeping an uninfected person from becoming infected with HIV.
UHS providers can prescribe Truvada. Students can schedule an appointment at 512-471-4955, stating that they are interested in a Truvada prescription, so that they are scheduled correctly.
It is important that those testing positive for HIV notify previous sexual partners so they can get tested. UHS staff can help talk students through the partner notification process.
How to get tested for HIV and other STIs at UHS and how to communicate positive results to sexual partners. Currently enrolled students are eligible to apply for free STI testing at UHS with the Get Yourself Tested Fund.
University Health Services is committed to providing high-quality care to patients of all ages, races, ethnicities, physical abilities or attributes, religions, sexual orientations, or gender identities/expression.
University Health Services is committed to providing high-quality care to patients of all ages, races, ethnicities, physical abilities or attributes, religions, sexual orientations, or gender identities/expression.
