Not everyone is comfortable disclosing their status because of the stigma that surrounds HIV.
Intake forms often have a “health history” section, and an additional separate line for HIV status and this furthers the stigma because it’s implying difference by singling out people who live with HIV.
This virus isn’t what it was in the 80s… We have medications like PrEP, PEP, and ART. As healthcare workers (estis, nurses, doctors) and service providers (eg tattoo artists), it might not be our specialties, but you should be aware of these medications and what they do. We should also work towards ending the stigma.
PrEP is for people who are NEGATIVE, but at a higher risk of contracting HIV.
PEP is for people who are negative, but not on PrEP, and might have came into contact with someone who is HIV+ and detectable.
ART (antiretroviral therapy) is for people who are POSITIVE, but makes them undetectable. Undetectable means the viral load in someone’s blood is so low that tests do not detect it (your results would say negative). UNDETECTABLE PEOPLE CANNOT TRANSIT THE VIRUS TO SOMEONE ELSE!!!!
Clearing up misconceptions:
1. Double gloving is an old practice when HIV was not fully understood. Since then, the CDC has updated their recommendations to take regular precautions by single gloving.
2. Even if you come into contact with bodily fluids of someone who is positive, you aren’t guaranteed the virus
3. You cannot get HIV from saliva
4. It is NOT a gay disease. Many people who are straight are living with HIV
5. Your life is NOT over if you contract it; with the medications we have, people live very long, happy lives
If you’re in Canada/USA and would like to get on PrEP, check out @GoFreddie. Most people who use freddie pay $0 and the medications are shipped to you for FREE. This is NOT sponsored!
#nailtech #manicure #hivawareness #endthestigma #dermatology aestheticnurse medicialaesthetician
Living with or being exposed to HIV can indeed be surrounded by stigma, but understanding key medications and precautions can empower both healthcare workers and the general public to approach the subject with confidence and compassion. From my personal experience as a healthcare provider, I've noticed how educating ourselves about HIV management tools like PrEP, PEP, and ART can significantly reduce fear and misconceptions. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) offers a proactive shield for those at higher risk, helping prevent HIV infection even before exposure. Similarly, PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) acts as an emergency measure for people who might have recently come into contact with the virus but were not on PrEP. ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) is transformative for those living with HIV, rendering the virus undetectable and untransmittable. This means that people adhering to their treatment and maintaining an undetectable viral load pose no transmission risk to others. This fact is not widely known but crucial in fighting stigma. Often, healthcare intake forms isolate HIV status, unintentionally emphasizing difference and fostering stigma. A more integrative approach to health history, where HIV is treated like any other chronic condition, would alleviate this. Another myth debunked by recent CDC guidelines is the need for double gloving among healthcare and service professionals. Current protocols recommend single gloves as standard precaution, reflecting our advanced understanding of HIV transmission risks. Understanding that HIV cannot be transmitted through saliva or casual contact further reduces stigma. Moreover, HIV is not confined to any one community or orientation; it affects diverse individuals globally. For those interested in preventive medication, services like GoFreddie in Canada and the USA provide PrEP at no cost to many users, making prevention more accessible. By embracing accurate knowledge, confronting outdated practices, and fostering open conversations, we can help dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV and support healthy, informed communities.























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