09 September 25

ACON Westie

Keeping it Real with Treatment

HIV Treatment

Today people living with HIV can live healthy lives thanks to treatment, which can be accessed for free even without Medicare in NSW. Taking treatment can mean as little as one pill a day or an injection every few months. So, how does treatment help end HIV transmission?

Taking treatment over time can result in achieving an undetectable viral load (UVL), meaning the amount of HIV in a person’s body has been reduced to an ‘undetectable’ level. The science has shown undetectable not only protects their health, but it means there is no risk of HIV transmission to their partners!

The best time to start treatment is now

It’s advised to begin treatment as soon as you learn about your HIV-positive status, with most people beginning treatment within 48 hours.

Research has shown that starting treatment early (if not immediately) after diagnosis increases life expectancy, improves health and prevents serious illness by more than 50% compared to those who delay starting treatment.

You can access treatment for free in NSW

It’s true that anyone can access treatment for free across NSW. Those with access to Medicare can see s100 prescribing doctors for fee-free treatment. Find a s100 HIV treatment provider near you using this tool.

Or if you don’t have Medicare, you’ll be able to access free HIV treatment through the NSW public hospital system,  or by visiting a doctor at a sexual health clinic that’s part of or linked to a hospital pharmacy.

If you want confidential support to work out to access HIV treatment and antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication, you can contact Positive Life NSW on (02) 8357 8386 or 1800 245 677 (free call) or email contact@positivelife.org.au.

Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)

You may have heard of the terms “undetectable”, “undetectable viral load” or “U=U” when chatting with friends or lovers.

When a person living with HIV has an undetectable viral load (UVL), they not only benefit from better health, but they also pose no risk for HIV transmission to their partners!

The U=U acronym has become commonplace on dating apps, to communicate a person’s undetectable status, and it’s a great way to prevent HIV transmission.

Always be responsible for your health and protect yourself with PrEP, condoms or a combination.

Support is available

If you have been diagnosed with HIV, remember that you are not alone, and that there are services here to support you through your diagnosis.

[+Connect] OUTWEST

[+Connect] OUTWEST is an inclusive social event for all people living with HIV, their partners, family and friends to get together and celebrate life in a safe, accessible and friendly environment. These events are held regularly in Western Sydney.

Click here to find out more. To RSVP, call Positive Life on (02) 8357 8386 or 1800 245 677 (free call) or email contact@positivelife.org.au.

a[STARTx]

a[STARTx] is a weekend workshop for gay men who have been diagnosed with HIV within the last two years. This peer-based workshop is run by other gay men who are also living with HIV, and who can relate to the experience of a new diagnosis.

a[STARTx] gives you the opportunity to:

• Explore HIV and its impact on your life expectations
• Understand how HIV and your immune system work
• Get an overview of current and future treatments
• Understand HIV and its impact on your health, sex life and relationships
• Work out who to tell about your status and when to tell them
• Plan for the future
• Access services and supports in the community

Click here to find out more. To enrol in the workshop, call Positive Life on (02) 8357 8386 or 1800 245 677 (free call) or email contact@positivelife.org.au or astart@acon.org.au.

 

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