According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. living with HIV, and about 13% are unaware. There are also an estimated 37,000 newly diagnosed people living with HIV in the United States. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, a virus that weakens a person's immune system preventing it from fighting off other diseases and infections. Though there is currently no effective cure for HIV, with proper treatment, and if caught early, people living with HIV have
roughly the same life expectancy as their HIV-negative peers. Many HIV tests are now free, fast, and confidential. Test your way, and do it today!
Get tested for HIV or talk to your health care provider about HIV testing. Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information to help keep you and your partner healthy. Many testing sites across Nebraska offer free (or low-cost) HIV tests that only take one minute to perform, and are confidential. Some testing locations offer HIV self-testing kits that you can pick up or have mailed directly to you. Test your way, and do it today!
PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that is taken before sex or other possible exposure, that can reduce your chances of getting HIV by up 99 percent. Speak to your healthcare provider for more information.
People living with HIV who are on ART (antiretroviral therapy) treatment can achieve an undetectable viral load, meaning they will not transmit HIV through sexual intercourse. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis), is a medication that can reduce your chance of getting HIV after a possible exposure if taken within 72 hours. Ask your medical provider for more information.
Get Involved
The CDC offers many resources to help you raise awareness about HIV testing in your community. Let's Stop HIV Together is a national HIV testing and prevention campaign designed to motivate all adults to get tested for HIV and know their status. Join Let's Stop HIV together on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, share videos of volunteers, community leaders, and celebrities explaining why they're getting tested, and download posters and other materials.
Fact Sheets