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Learn More About HIV

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Prevention: Tools to Protect Yourself and Others

Prevention means taking care of yourself and of the people you care about. Even with an HIV diagnosis, there are simple and effective choices that reduce risks in everyday life. 

1) Condoms: A Key Ally

The condom (male or female) should be used from start to finish of vaginal or anal intercourse.

During oral sex, you can use a condom or a latex sheet (dental dam).

The condom does not only protect against HIV: it also reduces the risk of other sexually transmitted infections (such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes) and prevents unplanned pregnancies.

If it breaks or slips, talk to your doctor: in some cases, emergency prophylaxis may be needed (see Article 5).

Practical tips: store condoms in a cool, dry place, check the expiration date, open them with your hands (not with teeth or scissors), and use water-based lubricants if needed.

2) Needles and Equipment: Never Share

If you use injectable substances, never share needles, syringes, or preparation equipment. Always use sterile, single-use materials. It’s a simple rule that protects against HIV and hepatitis. If you have difficulty accessing sterile supplies, speak with local services: asking for help is an act of self-care.

3) Therapy as Prevention (TasP) and U=U

Antiretroviral therapy, taken daily as prescribed, can reduce your viral load to undetectable levels. When this condition is stable over time, the risk of sexually transmitting HIV is zero: this is the principle of U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

Continuing therapy with adherence protects both you and your partner.

Even if you are “undetectable,” the condom remains useful for other sexually transmitted infections and contraception: decide together with your partner, consulting your infectious disease specialist.

Prevention During Pregnancy

A woman living with HIV can have a child without HIV. The key is to start and properly adhere to therapy throughout the pregnancy to achieve a undetectable viral load. This makes the risk of transmission to the newborn very low. Remember: breastfeeding is not recommended because the virus can be present in breast milk. Speak with your care center: they will guide you step by step.

In summary:

Always use a condom for penetrative sex; protection is also recommended for oral sex.

Never share needles or equipment: use sterile, single-use materials.

With properly followed therapy, reaching undetectable means U=U.

During pregnancy, therapy and monitoring allow for having a child without HIV.

 

Every small action counts. If you have doubts, bring them to your next visit: finding solutions together with your doctor makes prevention easier and more reassuring. 

References
HIV e AIDS – Salute Lazio. (n.d.). https://www.salutelazio.it/hiv-e-aids

Discover HIV and how to live with it.

Important: useful numbers and contacts

How we will try to contact you

We will call you from a national landline number that starts with:

0655170 [...]

It is very important to answer: we are trying to get in touch with you!

How you can contact APC Immuno

To contact APC Immuno directly, please call the following number:

0655170333

We will answer from Mon to Sat from 11:00 to 13:00 compatibly with clinical needs.

For any clinical need it is always better to speak directly with the APC Immuno Staff. o clarify doubts of organizational nature you can send an email to apcimmuno@inmi.it. Do not use the email for clinical questions! We might not answer your question immediately!

How you can contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis

To contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis directly call the number

0655170620

We will answer from Mon to Sat from 11:00 to 13:00 compatibly with clinical needs.
To clarify doubts you can send an email to stanza13@inmi.it
Useful documents

What to always bring with you

• Health Insurance Card

• Valid identification document
• Exemption card for pathology 020.042 or other valid exemption

⚠️ ATTENTION: If you do not have a health insurance card you will have to go with a valid identification document to the CUP for the issuance or renewal of theSTP/ENI and sign, if you meet the requirements, the certificate of indigence, which must be renewed every 6 months, like the STP/ENI. In this way you will be able to benefit from the X01 exemption. Afterwards, you will still have to go to your local ASL with the pathology certificate to obtain the pathology exemption.

Important note on consent to care and participation in research studies

Upon your arrival at Spallanzani you will be asked to sign a document regarding consent to care. It is possible that during a medical visit you will be asked to also sign further consents for participation in clinical and research studies.

Spallanzani, as a Research Institute,participates in numerous clinical studies.
Your possible support is precious to improve care pathways and contribute to the progress of HIV research.

Participation in studies is always voluntary, free, and independent from the care pathway. The Doctor will explain to you in a clear and simple way the contents of the proposed study, which is always approved by the Ethics Committee, guarantees privacy according to current regulations, and from which you can withdraw at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If I Have a Problem That I Think May Be Related to My HIV Infection?

Please contact the information desk: The Nursing Staff will assess the situation and, if necessary, help you schedule an appointment for a medical consultation.

You can access them through the Electronic Health Record (if you have SPID or CIE), or by using the link provided by the CUP staff when you undergo the blood draw.

Please email prenotazioni.spallanzani@inmi.it no later than two days before the scheduled date to reschedule the appointment.

Many procedures can be performed at our hospital. However, some must be scheduled through the Regional CUP number at 069939.

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