World Aids Day Awareness

Cada 1 de diciembre, personas de todo el mundo se unen para honrar a quienes han perdido la vida por enfermedades relacionadas con el SIDA y para apoyar a quienes viven con VIH.

El SIDA (Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida) es la etapa más avanzada de la infección por VIH (Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana). El VIH ataca el sistema inmunológico, específicamente las células CD4, debilitando la capacidad del cuerpo para combatir infecciones. Cuando el daño es severo, la infección progresa a SIDA.

Con diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento adecuado, el VIH no tiene por qué avanzar a SIDA.

AIDS was first identified in 1981 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Research suggests HIV originated from non-human primates in West and Central Africa and crossed into humans in the early-to-mid 20th century.

By the end of 2019, approximately 1.19 million people aged 13 and older were living with HIV in the United States, including an estimated 13% who were unaware of their infection. While outcomes have dramatically improved with modern treatment, HIV remains a significant public health issue—making awareness and testing essential.

Acute (Early) HIV Infection

Some individuals develop symptoms 2–4 weeks after exposure, which may resemble the flu:

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Rash

• Sore throat or cough

• Swollen lymph nodes (commonly in the neck)

• Night sweats

• Joint or muscle pain

• Diarrhea

Symptoms may be mild or unnoticed, but viral levels are high during this phase, making transmission more likely.

Chronic HIV Infection

After the acute phase, symptoms may disappear. With antiretroviral therapy (ART), many people remain in this stage for decades without symptoms. Without treatment, HIV continues to damage the immune system.

Possible symptoms include:

• Fatigue

• Recurrent infections

• Shingles

• Thrush (oral yeast infection)

• Weight loss

• Pérdida de peso inexplicable

• Fatiga persistente

• Diarrea crónica

• Infecciones recurrentes

• Lesiones en piel o boca

• Fiebre o sudores nocturnos

Modern HIV testing is accurate, accessible, and essential for early treatment.

• Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT/NAAT): Detect HIV RNA and can identify infection as early as 10–14 days after exposure

• Antigen/Antibody Tests: Detect HIV 2–6 weeks after exposure and are commonly used

• Rapid Antibody Tests (home or clinic): May take up to 12 weeks to detect infection

Negative tests after recent exposure may require repeat testing to confirm results.

Medications

• PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Must be started within 72 hours of potential exposure and taken for 28 days

• PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): Daily or long-acting medication for HIV-negative individuals at risk

  • Reduces sexual transmission risk by ~99% when taken as prescribed

  • Also reduces risk among people who inject drugs

Additional Prevention Strategies

• Consistent condom use with water-based lubricant

• Never sharing needles or injection equipment

• Routine HIV and STD testing

• Partner notification and treatment

• Medical male circumcision (shown to reduce heterosexual HIV transmission risk)

U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)

People living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load through treatment cannot transmit HIV sexually. This is a cornerstone of modern HIV care and prevention.

Telemedicine has transformed HIV prevention, testing, and treatment by improving privacy, access, and speed of care.

With Call-On-Doc, you can:

• Consult with licensed physicians 24/7

• Get evaluated for PrEP or PEP

• Order HIV and STD testing

• Pick up prescriptions at any U.S. pharmacy—often within 1–2 hours

Call-On-Doc supports proactive sexual healthcare and encourages routine testing before and after new relationships.

Take control of your sexual health today.