Frequently Asked Questions about HIV Care at AXCES

We are always available to answer any questions you may have about HIV or any of our patient services by phone, text message, or email, but keep scrolling for answers to some of our most common patient questions about HIV and our HIV care services. 

  • HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Without intervention, HIV can weaken the immune system and lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is the final stage of HIV infection. Once HIV has progressed to AIDS, the immune system is so weak, it can no longer protect you from certain infections.

    The sooner you know your HIV status the better. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, HIV can be managed effectively, preventing progression to AIDS and allowing you to live a longer, healthier life.

  • You can get HIV by coming into contact with certain bodily fluids from someone living with HIV who is not taking medications. These bodily fluids include blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. HIV can NOT be passed through contact with sweat, tears, or saliva. You can also get HIV by sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment with someone who has untreated HIV. 

    Transmission of the virus can occur when these bodily fluids come into contact with mucous membranes found in the vagina, penis/urethra, anus/rectum, and the mouth (less common). That means that engaging in activities like unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, giving birth, and breastfeeding carries risk of transmitting HIV from one person to another. 

    HIV is also easier to transmit or get if you have other STIs/STDs, which is why it is recommended to get tested regularly if you are sexually active. 

  • There is currently no cure for HIV. But good news! HIV can be controlled effectively with something called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines daily to reduce the amount of virus in your body (called the “viral load”) to undetectable levels, allowing you to live a long and healthy life. Additionally, when the viral load is undetectable, the risk of transmitting HIV is close zero.

  • Many individuals don’t realize they have been exposed to HIV, Some individuals may experience symptoms of a general infection, almost like mono or the flu within 2-4 weeks after exposure. Sometime they may have a fever or rash, a sore throat or headache, and swollen lymph nodes, sometimes in different areas of  the body. It’s important to remember that many people don’t have any symptoms at all. It's also important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other illnesses.  

  • We love this question because the best offense is a good defense! HIV can be prevented in a number of ways: 

    • Using condoms during sexual activity, especially vaginal or anal sex. 

    • A type of medication called pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP). If these meds are taken regularly, they can reduce the risk of getting HIV by nearly 99%. 

    • If you think you may have been exposed, you can also take a type of medication called post-exposure prophylaxis (or PEP). If taken within 72 hours of possible exposure, these meds have been shown to reduce the risk of infection by more than 80%. (For more info about PEP, please visit the NIH’s PEP page.)

    • Getting tested for HIV regularly. Knowing your status and that of your partners helps everyone make informed decisions.  

    • Using clean needles. If you inject medications or drugs (including hormones), it’s always best to use clean needles and not share them or your works (injection materials including spoons, cotton, etc.) 

  • When the HIV crisis first began in the 1980s, very little was understood about the virus or how to treat it, so getting diagnosed was devastating. Thankfully, that’s not true today! With early diagnosis and ongoing treatment, you can live a long healthy life. HIV medication helps to maintain a low viral load, keep your immune system strong, and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others.

  • Yes, with early diagnosis, appropriate medical care, and HIV medications throughout the pregnancy, pregnant people with HIV can reduce the risk of passing HIV to their baby by more than 99%. The most important thing is that pregnant people get tested for HIV and, if positive, take the medications through the whole pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and while nursing the baby. 

  • HIV testing is available at clinics like AXCES (currently only available in Santa Fe; click here to see options and book your appointment) or your state’s Department of Health, or with at-home testing kits. The most important thing to know is that if you get a positive result, you need to follow up with a medical clinic as soon as possible so they can do follow-up testing to make sure your result is correct. It's recommended for everyone ages 13 to 64 to get tested at least once, and more frequently if you have new partners. 

    If you have any questions about HIV testing, please call and speak to a member of our team. 

  • Yes! We currently accept the following health insurance providers (and are adding more soon):

    • Medicare

    • BCBS

    • Presbyterian

    • Humana

    • Mutual of Omaha

    We also accept the following with a prior authorization:

    • United

    • Cigna

    • NM Medicaid

    • BCBS Turquoise

  • We also accept self-pay. But if you don’t have access to health insurance and are concerned about your ability to pay, please call us at 505-207-8078 and speak with a member of our team. Se habla español.