AIDS Project Rhode Island

Ask APRI: What are the stages of HIV?

Without treatment, HIV moves through three stages:

Stage 1, acute infection: 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Some people have flu-like symptoms, others have none. There's a lot of virus in the blood, so HIV can be transmitted more easily.

Stage 2, clinical latency: HIV is still active but reproduces at very low levels. Many people feel fine, and without medication this stage can last a decade or longer.

Stage 3, AIDS: The most severe phase, diagnosed when a person's T cell count falls below a certain number. The body is more vulnerable to other infections.

The good news: HIV can be controlled with medicine. Treatment can be a daily pill or an injection given monthly or every two months. Most people who take it the right way live long, healthy lives.

Free, confidential testing is available by walk-in or appointment. Call 401.831.5522 or visit aidsprojectri.org

Today is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day.
At every age, everyone deserves access to HIV education, care, treatment and support.

HIV treatment works. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps people with HIV stay healthy and thrive. Also, when treatment lowers HIV to an undetectable level, it can’t be transmitted to partners via s*x (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable). Learn more: hiv.gov/

HIV doesn’t have an age limit. Neither should the conversation.

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, a time to recognize people who are aging with HIV and make sure prevention, testing, treatment and care remain part of the conversation for older adults.

More than half of people living with diagnosed HIV in the U.S. are age 50 or older. Advances in treatment are helping people with HIV live longer, healthier lives, and that is something worth recognizing.

Swipe through as we clear up a few common myths about HIV and aging.

🙋 Ask APRI: What is PrEP?

What if there were a medication that could reduce your risk of getting HIV by up to 99%?

There is. It’s called PrEP.

PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is medication for people who do not have HIV that can help prevent HIV infection. When taken correctly, PrEP can be up to 99% effective in preventing HIV transmission.

Want to learn more or find out if PrEP may be right for you? APRI can provide information and connect you with a medical provider referral.

Have a question about HIV, testing, prevention, treatment, or APRI’s services? Ask APRI in the comments.

Rhode Island has seen an increase in mpox cases recently. If you are at risk and have not been vaccinated or have only gotten one dose of the mpox vaccine, you can get vaccinated at CVS, Walgreens, or at clinics listed on our web page. Please see health.ri.gov/mpox to learn more about mpox and vaccination options.

Ask APRI ❤️

What is HIV? Let’s break it down.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, specifically CD4 cells, often called T cells. These cells help the immune system fight off infections. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body has difficulty fighting off other infections.

So, what about AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and is the most severe phase of HIV infection. AIDS can occur when a person’s T cell count falls below a certain level.

Have another question about HIV, testing, prevention, treatment, or APRI’s services? Ask APRI! Leave your question in the comments or send us a message.

Ask APRI ❤️

What does the “U” stand for in U=U?

U=U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable.** It means that if someone living with HIV is on medication and has an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass on the virus to a partner through s*xual contact.

U=U is an important reminder that HIV treatment works, and that people living with HIV can live healthy lives while reducing the spread of HIV.

Have a question about HIV, testing, prevention, or treatment? Ask APRI. We’re here with information, support, and resources.

When was your last HIV test?

Knowing your status is an important part of taking care of your health. ❤️

At AIDS Project Rhode Island, we make HIV and Hepatitis C testing simple, safe, and confidential. Through our “Take Charge, Get Tested!” program, free rapid testing is available in a comfortable, private environment with support from trained testing counselors.

Whether it’s been a few months or a few years, today is a great day to check in on your health.

Link in below to more about testing options or schedule your test with APRI.

Grateful to be part of a community that shows up to support one another.❤️

Recently, members of our team, along with Pride in Aging RI, attended the July LGBTQ+ Community Café luncheon hosted by Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island. Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos joined the event, helping serve lunch and sharing a few words with attendees.

We’re proud to support spaces that celebrate every stage of life.❤️