A measure of HIV in the blood. Nucleic acid amplification test(NAAT) tests for viral load, not for the presence of HIV antibodies.

 When there is so little virus in and a person who is living with HIV’s blood that it cannot be measured by viral load tests. An undetectable viral load is associated with better long-term health. The person is still HIV positive, but the risk of infection is lower and the chance of passing the virus to a partner is greatly reduced.

 Stigma occurs when a person or a group of people are devalued because they are associated with a certain disease, behavior or practice.

Sexual health is having a feeling of wellness related to sexuality. It applies to people of all ages. Sexual health is physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. It is a central element of human health. Sexual health is based on a positive, equal, and respectful approach to sexuality, relationships and reproduction. This is based on free choice and is without fear, violence, discrimination, stigma or shame.

 Activity that makes a person more susceptible or more likely to be exposed to harm. Because different activities have different levels of risk, activities are often called either high-risk or low-risk.

the HIV test indicates that HIV antibodies were found in a blood or oral sample.

 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is an HIV prevention method in which people who do not have HIV take a daily pill (HIV antiretroviral medication) to reduce their risk of becoming infected. Based on studies showing significant reduction in HIV acquisition among HIV-negative persons who use PrEP and receive a package of prevention, care and support services. Combination anti-retroviral therapy (ART) for use as PrEP among sexually active adults at risk for HIV

 HIV antiretroviral medication taken less than 36 hours after possible exposure to HIV to reduce the chance of having a test that comes back as having a diagnosis of HIV. For example, a person who is having sex and the condom breaks should seek a healthcare provider’s advice on whether to take PEP

 HIV transmission from mother to child, which can happen during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and breastfeeding. (CDC)

 A person who is HIV positive is someone who is living with HIV. A series of laboratory tests have resulted in the diagnosis of HIV.

HIV negative A person who is HIV negative is someone who is not living with HIV. An HIV negative test result is one where no HIV antibodies or antigens were discovered in the sample.

The most common test used to diagnose HIV. It does not test for the presence of HIV, but for the presence of antibodies against the virus. The test can be conducted with a blood sample or oral fluid Urine tests are also available but are not as effective at detecting antibodies. Typical antibody test results are available in about a week; rapid HIV antibody test results are available within half an hour.

 HIV is a retrovirus that attacks the body’s immune system, making people who have transmitted HIV potentially vulnerable to other infections and diseases. If untreated with antiretroviral medications, HIV can progress to AIDS. People with either HIV or AIDS can lead healthy lives if they receive ART and appropriate routine medical care.

 HCV is usually transmitted through blood and rarely through other body fluids, such as semen. HCV progresses more rapidly in people coinfected with HIV than in people with HCV alone.

look directly at the genetic material of the HIV in your blood and give you information about the HIV drugs your virus is resistant to, they are the most common and widely used resistance test.

 A CD4 count is a lab test that measures the number of CD4 T lymphocytes (CD4 cells) in a sample of your blood. In people living with HIV, it is the most important laboratory indicator of how well your immune system is working and the strongest predictor of HIV progression. (AIDS.gov)

Antiretroviral therapy (abbreviated as ART): Treatment with drugs designed to control HIV. For HIV therapy to be successful over time, the initiation of ART should involve both the selection of the most appropriate regimen and the acceptance of the regimen by the patient, bolstered by education and adherence counseling. All are critical in achieving the goal of durable and complete viral suppression. Discussion of ART should occur at the start of care for all HIV patients, regardless of CD4 count. The clinician and patient should discuss the benefits of early ART and individual factors that may affect the decision to initiate, such as patient readiness or reluctance and adherence barriers.

Means “against retrovirus”; HIV is a retrovirus. An antiretroviral is a drug that controls the retrovirus.

 Discrimination of someone based on a person’s age

 The most advanced phase of infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in which the immune system is weakened. The person becomes more susceptible to a variety of infections (called opportunistic infections) and other conditions such as cancer. A diagnosis of AIDS is made based on clinical criteria and/or the results of blood tests.