In people who are at high risk, there is a medical technique that greatly lowers the likelihood of contracting HIV. Prep, also known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, is an antiretroviral medication that helps people who are HIV-negative to remain HIV-free even if they have sex with HIV-positive or unidentified partners without using a condom.



"High risk" in this context refers to having one or more sexual partners who are HIV positive. It may also refer to engaging in sexual activity in… Continue

HIV is a virus that predominantly targets CD4-positive (CD4+) T-helper cells, which are white blood cells, in the immune system of the body.



These cells sometimes referred to as CD4 cells, T-helper cells, or T4 cells, play a critical role in identifying pathogens that enter the body and in setting up an immune response to fight them. If HIV is not treated, it invades and kills CD4 cells, lowering the immune system's ability to combat infections and diseases.



If their CD4… Continue

There are medical interventions that significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection for those who are at high risk of developing it. Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is the term used. PrEP is an antiviral drug that helps HIV-negative persons maintain their HIV-free status even if they have sexual contact without wearing a condom with an HIV-positive or unknown partner.



In this instance, having one or more sexual partners who are HIV + is considered to be "high risk." As well as any… Continue

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most studied viruses in history, and investments in HIV/AIDS research have yielded some incredible scientific breakthroughs, such as a better understanding of viral biology and pathogenesis, as well as life-saving antiretroviral drugs.



HIV infection was not the catalyst for the creation of targeted antiviral medications. However, the National Institutes of Health's massive investments in biomedical research and pharmaceutical… Continue