HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment

HIV—or human immunodeficiency virus—is a virus spread through certain body fluids. HIV weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. There is no cure for HIV. But you can control HIV with proper medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about HIV and AIDS, visit CDC: HIV. 

HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact, by sharing needles (to inject drugs), and from the mother to a baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Learn more about how HIV is transmitted.

Abstinence (not having sex of any kind), is the only way to prevent the spread of HIV 100%. Other effective ways to reduce the risk include:

  • Limiting your number of sexual partners
  • Use condoms correctly every time you have sex
  • Never share needles
  • Consider taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, a medicine that significantly lowers your risk of HIV infection when taken as prescribed. Learn about TRICARE PrEP coverage. 
  • Get tested for sexually transmitted infections, as they increase your risk of getting HIV.
  • Take HIV post-exposure prophylaxis after a recent possible exposure to HIV. PEP should be used only in emergency situations and must be started within 72 hours.

If you're already living with HIV or if you have a high risk for HIV, there are other options. Learn more about how to prevent the spread of HIV.


The only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested. CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. Learn more about HIV testing and find a test center near you.

Yes. TRICARE covers HIV testing as part of the annual Health Promotion and Disease Prevention exam. 

Last Updated 8/20/2025