Health & Human services

Know your risk: HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS FAQ

• What is HIV/AIDS?

  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV, which means that once you acquire HIV you’ll have it for the rest of your life.

  Currently there is no safe or effective cure, but scientists are working hard to find one, and remain hopeful.

  HIV affects specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. When this happens, HIV infection leads to AIDS.

• How is HIV/AIDS transmitted?

  HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, as well as needle sharing and pregnant person to their newborn. There are five main bodily fluids that can transmit HIV:

  • Blood
  • Semen (includes pre-semen)
  • Vaginal secretion
  • Rectal fluid
  • Breast milk

• How can I tell if I am infected with HIV?

  The only way to know if you are infected with HIV is to get tested. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether you have HIV. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for 10 or more years. Some people who are infected with HIV report having flu-like symptoms (often described as “the worst flu ever”) 2-4 weeks after exposure. Symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Rash

  These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During this time, HIV infection may not show up on an HIV test, but people who have it are highly infectious and can spread the infection to others.

• What can a person do to prevent passing HIV?

  Using latex condoms provides excellent protection against HIV during sexual intercourse. The internal condom and polyurethane (plastic) condoms are equally effective. Oral medication can be taken daily to prevent HIV known as Pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) can be taken 72 hours after sexual contact with someone who you suspect may be living with HIV. Sexually active individuals should get tested every six months to a year. An infected pregnant person should seek prenatal care early, to prevent passing HIV to their newborn. Also, avoid the sharing of syringes with other individuals.

• How do I get tested for HIV?

  To get tested for HIV, a person should go to a doctor or health clinic. HIV tests may be performed on a blood or oral fluid. 

  Free anonymous and confidential HIV/STI testing services are available on a walk-in basis at our Sexual Health Clinic (2525 Grand Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815) Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. No appointment is necessary, if you prefer to make an appointment or have any questions, please call our Sexual Health Clinic at 562.570.4180.

  MOBILE TESTING

  Free mobile HIV/STI testing is provided throughout the community at various locations in Long Beach with our Mobile Testing Unit. For more information about scheduling call 562.570.4289.

  AT-HOME TESTING

  • We are partnering up with LA County to provide FREE HIV self-test kits available at the comfort of your own home through the TakeMeHome Program. The take home tests are provided to LA County residents, including Long Beach residents and are over the age of 18.

  TESTING FACILITIES

  The following locations provide HIV testing in Long Beach: 

  Location	Date & Time	Phone
  AIDS Healthcare Foundation 3500 E Pacific Coast Hwy	Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm	562.494.3413
  APLA Health 1043 Elm Ave, Ste. 302	Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 11am-7pm	562.494.4983
  CARE Clinic 1043 Elm Ave, Ste. 300	Monday-Friday 8:30am - 12 pm 1:15pm - 4:30pm	562.624.4999
  The Center 2017 E 4th St	Monday-Wednesday & Friday 10am - 6pm Thursday 12pm-9pm Saturday 10am-4pm	562.270.0851
  Charles Drew University/Oasis Clinic 1807 E 120th St	Monday-Friday 8am - 4:30pm	424.338.2929
  Optum Care 2699 Atlantic Ave	Varies	562.426.3333

• What treatment is there for HIV?

  With proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Treatment for HIV is often called antiretroviral therapy or ART. It can dramatically prolong the lives of many people infected with HIV and lower their chance of infecting others. Before the introduction of ART in the mid-1990s, people with HIV could progress to AIDS in just a few years. Today, someone diagnosed with HIV and treated before the disease is far advanced can have a nearly normal life expectancy.

• What is U=U?

  U=U means staying undetectable means you are untransmittable. An undetectable viral load is when the amount of virus in your blood is so low that a test will not detect it. Taking treatment daily as prescribed can help you achieve an undetectable viral load. People living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit to others.

• What Can A Pregnant Person Do To Prevent Passing HIV To Their Baby?

  During pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, HIV can be passed to your baby, known as perinatal transmission. Understanding the risks and taking preventative measures are essential in protecting both pregnant person and baby. Learn more about HIV in Pregnancy.

• Where can I learn more about HIV/AIDS?

  California Department of Public Health:
  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DOA/Pages/OAmain.aspx
  
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/
  
  

Resources

HIV/AIDS FAQ 

HIV/STI Resource Line

Are you a health provider or community member looking for more information about HIV/STIs? Call or submit a question online below:

 Online HIV/STI Resource Line
 (562) 570-4321 Available M-F, 8-5 pm

Any information that you share is 100% confidential