HIV Prevention

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is a virus that weakens the immune system over time by attacking certain cells that help the body fight infections. With treatment, people with HIV can stay healthy and live full lives. Learn more about HIV in our article, HIV: The Basics.

HIV spreads through certain body fluids like blood, semen, vaginal and anal fluids, and breastmilk. This most commonly happens during condomless sex or when sharing needles or injection equipment. Learn more in our article, HIV: The Basics.

Symptoms vary from person to person: some people may feel flu-like symptoms after getting HIV while others don’t have symptoms for months.The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested. Learn more about HIV in our article, HIV: The Basics.

Lowering HIV risk involves combining multiple prevention methods such as:

• Using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• Using condoms consistently for sex
• Never sharing needles
• If living with HIV, maintaining an undetectable viral load through treatment (ART)
• Getting tested regularly
• Using Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) after potential exposure

If you’re still not sure how to reduce your risk, don’t worry. Caracole’s health educators are here to provide confidential, supportive education on what makes sense for you.

In addition to PrEP and PEP, safer sex, using new injection equipment, getting tested regularly and talking with your partners about your status can all help lower your risk of HIV.

Don’t wait to get care. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that can lower your risk, but it must be started within 72 hours. Visit an emergency room or talk with a provider right away.

You’re not alone. Our team offers support and education to help you feel more confident having those conversations with your partner.

Caracole offers numerous ways to access safer-sex supplies. Condoms, lube and safer-sex kits are available in the lobby of our Northside office, right inside our front door. For after-hours needs, Caracole’s harm reduction vending machine is stocked with safer-sex kits, including condoms, lube and Plan B. You can also get supplies at community events or through our outreach team.

Yes. We offer free, fast and confidential testing for HIV and hepatitis C in-person at our office, throughout the community on our testing van or at community events. You can also pick up an HIV self-testing kit from our Northside office, our vending machine or request one by mail for use at home or in any private location to find out your HIV status.