HIV Care in Tennessee
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) does not always cause noticeable symptoms, especially early in an infection. HIV testing is an important part of routine sexual health care and can also be appropriate after a potential exposure. If you test negative, a healthcare provider can discuss prevention options with you. If you test positive, connecting with appropriate HIV care can help protect your long-term health.
What Is HIV?
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, particularly CD4 T cells that help the body fight infections. Without treatment, HIV can weaken the immune system over time and may progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
How HIV Spreads
HIV can be transmitted through certain body fluids, including blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Common routes of transmission include sexual contact and sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment.
HIV is not spread through hugging, casual touch, sharing food, or ordinary everyday contact.
HIV Symptoms
Some people experience symptoms during the early stages of HIV infection, while others have no noticeable symptoms. Symptoms alone cannot determine whether someone has HIV, which is why testing is important.
Early HIV Symptoms
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Muscle or joint aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Night sweats
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
Later Symptoms Without Treatment
As untreated HIV affects the immune system, symptoms may include:
- Persistent fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Shingles
- Oral thrush
Advanced HIV
Advanced HIV can result in serious illnesses and complications associated with a severely weakened immune system. Symptoms can vary significantly, which is why medical evaluation and HIV testing are important rather than relying on symptoms alone.
Why HIV Testing Matters
Knowing your HIV status allows you to make informed decisions about your health. If testing confirms HIV, a healthcare provider can help you connect with treatment. Effective HIV treatment can suppress the virus, protect the immune system, and help prevent transmission.
If you test negative, a healthcare provider can also discuss prevention strategies that may be appropriate for you, including condoms, routine testing, PrEP, and other preventive care.
Who Should Get Tested?
HIV screening is recommended as part of routine healthcare for many adolescents and adults, with additional or repeat testing recommended based on individual circumstances and potential exposures.
You may want to discuss HIV testing with a healthcare provider if you:
- Have had a potential sexual exposure to HIV
- Have a new sexual partner or multiple partners
- Share needles, syringes, or other injection equipment
- Have experienced a needlestick injury or other potential blood exposure
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are unsure of a partner’s HIV status
- Want HIV testing as part of routine sexual health care
What HIV Testing Involves
Different HIV tests detect antibodies, antigens, or the virus itself. The appropriate test can depend on how much time has passed since a potential exposure. A healthcare provider can help determine which test is appropriate and whether follow-up testing is recommended.
Antibody Test
Antibody tests look for antibodies the immune system produces in response to HIV. Because antibodies take time to develop, testing very soon after an exposure may not detect a new infection.
Antigen/Antibody Test
An antigen/antibody test looks for both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen. These tests are commonly used for HIV screening and can detect infection earlier than antibody-only tests in many cases.
Nucleic Acid Test
A nucleic acid test (NAT) looks directly for HIV in the blood. A healthcare provider may recommend this type of testing in certain circumstances, including some situations involving a recent potential exposure.
What to Do If You Think You Were Exposed
If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, seek medical care as soon as possible and ask about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP is time-sensitive and must be started within 72 hours of a potential exposure.
For people who may have an ongoing risk of HIV exposure, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is another prevention option. A healthcare provider can help determine whether PrEP is appropriate for you.
HIV Treatment and Ongoing Care
There is currently no cure for HIV, but effective treatment allows people living with HIV to manage the condition and protect their long-term health. HIV treatment is known as antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART works by reducing the amount of HIV in the body and helping protect the immune system.
How ART Works
HIV treatment may involve daily oral medication or, for some patients, long-acting injectable treatment. The appropriate treatment depends on individual clinical circumstances.
With effective treatment, many people living with HIV can achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load. People with HIV who take treatment as prescribed and achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV. This is commonly known as U=U, or Undetectable Equals Untransmittable.
HIV Medication Classes
There are several classes of medications used as part of HIV treatment. These include:
- Integrase inhibitors: interfere with an enzyme HIV uses to insert its genetic material into human cells
- NRTIs: interfere with the virus’s ability to make copies of itself
- NNRTIs: interfere with an enzyme HIV uses to replicate
- Protease inhibitors: interfere with the production of mature infectious virus
Starting Treatment
Before beginning treatment, a healthcare provider will review your medical history, medications, laboratory results, and other relevant clinical information. Testing may include a CD4 count, HIV viral load, resistance testing, and other laboratory tests based on your individual circumstances.
Taking HIV medication as prescribed is important for maintaining viral suppression and reducing the risk of developing drug resistance.
Resistance Testing
HIV resistance testing may be performed to determine whether the virus has resistance to certain medications. The results can help a healthcare provider select an appropriate treatment regimen.
HIV Testing and Care in Tennessee
LifeLine Health helps Tennessee residents access HIV testing, prevention services, and appropriate follow-up care. Our team can help you understand which testing option may be appropriate based on your circumstances and how much time has passed since a potential exposure.
If you’re interested in HIV testing, PrEP, or other HIV prevention and care services, contact LifeLine Health to learn more about available options and appropriate next steps.
Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you believe you may have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, seek medical care promptly. For a medical emergency, seek immediate care.