HIV INFO + RESOURCES

HIV TODAY

What You Need to Know

We have lived with HIV and AIDS for more than 30 years, since it was first recognized as an unexplained pattern of illnesses in 1981.  The epidemic has undergone many shifts and changes.  We have moved from a time of terror and crisis, through years of struggle and activism, until today, when breakthroughs in medications and treatments mean that HIV is no longer a death sentence, but a manageable illness.

 

As the face and demographics of HIV and AIDS continue to change, most basic facts about the disease remain the same.  Methods of transmission, the importance of safer sex practices, the need for open communication with your partners are still vital.  Arming yourself with this basic information about HIV is the first step to keeping yourself and your partner(s) informed and healthy.

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HIV transmission is preventable.

 

It is essential for us all to be aware and educated about HIV. Knowing even the most basic information can help you protect yourself, your sexual partner(s), and anyone in your life from transmission.

 
 
hiv 101

What is PEP?

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an intensive four-week medication regimen to be taken within 72 hours after exposure to HIV. The sooner PEP is started within the 72-hour window period, the better. When taken as directed, it is a very effective strategy to reduce HIV transmission. PEP is prescribed to be taken once or twice daily for 28 days. PEP is safe, but involves a high concentration level of anti-retroviral medications. As a result, side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue are common; however, these can all be treated. Though adherence is challenging, it’s imperative to follow the regimen as prescribed for maximum efficacy. When considering PEP after possible or known exposure to HIV, seek the nearest urgent care provider or emergency room doctor right away. There also is a 24-hour PEP Hotline that can be reached toll-free at 1-888-448-4911.



What is PrEP?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new and exciting HIV prevention strategy in the form of a one-a-day medicine (Truvada®). When used daily as prescribed, it is more than 92% effective in preventing HIV transmission. For an individual on PrEP, HIV infection can become practically non-existent if it’s taken correctly alongside condoms and other prevention strategies. Efficacy depends on the user. For maximum protection, it is recommended to take the medication once a day. It takes 7 days for Truvada® to become effective in rectal tissue and 20 days in vaginal or urethral tissue. If a dose of Truvada® is missed, the protection level will decrease. Side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and headaches may occur in the first two weeks of starting Truvada®. Fortunately, these effects tend to go away shortly and don’t necessarily happen to everyone. More serious side effects are rare. PrEP is recommended for men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women, and people in sero-discordant relationships. Nonetheless, anyone at increased risk of exposure to HIV may benefit from Truvada® as PrEP. To access PrEP, it is recommended to have a consultation with a medical professional. In Boulder, the Beacon Center for Infectious Diseases has a long history of providing quality HIV care to the community. This clinic also has experience in providing consultation, navigation, and medical care to people who are interested in accessing PrEP. Contact the Beacon Center for Infectious Diseases at 303-415-8850 for more information or to set up an appointment.



More questions about PrEP or PEP?

Watch the video: Demystifying HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis



prevention and risk

What is PEP?

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an intensive four-week medication regimen to be taken within 72 hours after exposure to HIV. The sooner PEP is started within the 72-hour window period, the better. When taken as directed, it is a very effective strategy to reduce HIV transmission. PEP is prescribed to be taken once or twice daily for 28 days. PEP is safe, but involves a high concentration level of anti-retroviral medications. As a result, side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue are common; however, these can all be treated. Though adherence is challenging, it’s imperative to follow the regimen as prescribed for maximum efficacy. When considering PEP after possible or known exposure to HIV, seek the nearest urgent care provider or emergency room doctor right away. There also is a 24-hour PEP Hotline that can be reached toll-free at 1-888-448-4911.



What is PrEP?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new and exciting HIV prevention strategy in the form of a one-a-day medicine (Truvada®). When used daily as prescribed, it is more than 92% effective in preventing HIV transmission. For an individual on PrEP, HIV infection can become practically non-existent if it’s taken correctly alongside condoms and other prevention strategies. Efficacy depends on the user. For maximum protection, it is recommended to take the medication once a day. It takes 7 days for Truvada® to become effective in rectal tissue and 20 days in vaginal or urethral tissue. If a dose of Truvada® is missed, the protection level will decrease. Side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and headaches may occur in the first two weeks of starting Truvada®. Fortunately, these effects tend to go away shortly and don’t necessarily happen to everyone. More serious side effects are rare. PrEP is recommended for men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women, and people in sero-discordant relationships. Nonetheless, anyone at increased risk of exposure to HIV may benefit from Truvada® as PrEP. To access PrEP, it is recommended to have a consultation with a medical professional. In Boulder, the Beacon Center for Infectious Diseases has a long history of providing quality HIV care to the community. This clinic also has experience in providing consultation, navigation, and medical care to people who are interested in accessing PrEP. Contact the Beacon Center for Infectious Diseases at 303-415-8850 for more information or to set up an appointment.



More questions about PrEP or PEP?

Watch the video: Demystifying HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis



 
PREP & PEP

What is PEP?

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is an intensive four-week medication regimen to be taken within 72 hours after exposure to HIV. The sooner PEP is started within the 72-hour window period, the better. When taken as directed, it is a very effective strategy to reduce HIV transmission. PEP is prescribed to be taken once or twice daily for 28 days. PEP is safe, but involves a high concentration level of anti-retroviral medications. As a result, side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and fatigue are common; however, these can all be treated. Though adherence is challenging, it’s imperative to follow the regimen as prescribed for maximum efficacy. When considering PEP after possible or known exposure to HIV, seek the nearest urgent care provider or emergency room doctor right away. There also is a 24-hour PEP Hotline that can be reached toll-free at 1-888-448-4911.



What is PrEP?

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a new and exciting HIV prevention strategy in the form of a one-a-day medicine (Truvada®). When used daily as prescribed, it is more than 92% effective in preventing HIV transmission. For an individual on PrEP, HIV infection can become practically non-existent if it’s taken correctly alongside condoms and other prevention strategies. Efficacy depends on the user. For maximum protection, it is recommended to take the medication once a day. It takes 7 days for Truvada® to become effective in rectal tissue and 20 days in vaginal or urethral tissue. If a dose of Truvada® is missed, the protection level will decrease. Side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and headaches may occur in the first two weeks of starting Truvada®. Fortunately, these effects tend to go away shortly and don’t necessarily happen to everyone. More serious side effects are rare. PrEP is recommended for men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women, and people in sero-discordant relationships. Nonetheless, anyone at increased risk of exposure to HIV may benefit from Truvada® as PrEP. To access PrEP, it is recommended to have a consultation with a medical professional. In Boulder, the Beacon Center for Infectious Diseases has a long history of providing quality HIV care to the community. This clinic also has experience in providing consultation, navigation, and medical care to people who are interested in accessing PrEP. Contact the Beacon Center for Infectious Diseases at 303-415-8850 for more information or to set up an appointment.



More questions about PrEP or PEP?

Watch the video: Demystifying HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis



additional resources
 

Colorado Resources

 

National HIV Resources

 

Legislation and Advocacy

 

Health Care & Insurance

 
CO AIDS SERVICE ORGAnizations

Boulder County AIDS Project (BCAP)
Serves Boulder, Broomfield, Gilpin, and Clear Creek Counties.
Web: www.bcap.org
Address: 2118 14th Street, Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: 303.444.6121
Español: 303.444.7181
Fax: 303.444.0260
Email: info@bcap.org

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Denver Colorado AIDS Project – Colorado Health Network

Serves the greater Denver metro area, including Denver, Arapahoe, Adams, Jefferson, Broomfield, and Douglas Counties.
Web: www.denvercap.org
Address:  6260 E. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80220
Phone: 303.837.0166

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Northern Colorado AIDS Project (NCAP)
Serves the counties of Larimer, Weld, Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Yuma, and Washington.
Web: www.denvercap.org/northern-colorado-aids-project
Address: 400 Remington, Suite 100, Fort Collins, CO 80524
Address: 2017 9th Street, Greeley, CO 80631
Phone: 970.484.4469 (Fort Collins)
Phone: 970.353.1177 (Greeley)

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Southern Colorado AIDS Project (S-CAP)
Serves the counties of Alamosa, Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Cheyenne, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, El Paso, Elbert, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Las Animas, Lincoln, Mineral, Otero, Park, Powers, Pueblo, Rio Grande, Saguache, and Teller.
Web: www.denvercap.org/southern-colorado-aids-project
Address: 1301 South 8th Street, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Address: 505 West 8th Street, Pueblo, CO 81003
Phone: 719.578.9092 (Colorado Springs)
Phone: 719.924.8925 (Pueblo)

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Western Colorado AIDS Project (WCAP)
Serves the counties of Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Grand, Lake, Pitkin, Mesa, Delta, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Dolores, San Juan, Hinsdale, Montezuma, La Plata, and Archuleta.
Web: www.denvercap.org/western-colorado-aids-project
Address: 805 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone: 970.243.2437

2118 14th Street    Boulder  CO  80302

515 Kimbark Street    Longmont  CO  80501

info@bcap.org     303.444.6121

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