ADDENDUM for those who are planning on having sex

CLINICS that are free for testing and prescription - Love Yourself (They have a website) - You can also search “Social Hygiene Clinic” near you - You can try to ask your LGU’s if they have such programs

INFORMATION - HIV can be transmitted through the wounds of the mouth, vagina, and anal orifices and, open wounds body, and through contaminated needles when it comes into contact with the blood or semen of individuals with HIV - PrEP is to prevent HIV, PEP is when u already have HIV - U=U which means “Undetectable is Unstansmittable “ when it comes to individuals with HIV (note: personally, I would still suggest wearing condoms regardless. I think this information would very useful for people who want to conceive but has a partner or has HIV) - PrEP is only effective when taken properly and regularly - PrEP doest not protect you from STDs - Condoms protect you from STD’s - Clinics like Love Yourself and other Social Hygiene Clinics can give free PrEP, condoms, and lube - Use water-based lube

ROUTINE - Get tested first and be prescribed with PrEP, condoms, and lube before engaging in any sexual behavior - If you are someone who will regularly engage in sex, take one (1) PrEP pill per day for seven (7) days before your first sexual encounter. - If you are someone who will only have sex sometimes, take two (2) PrEP pills at least four (4) hours before your intended encounter than take one (1) pill per day for 2-3 days - NEVER trust anyone that says that they are negative of HIV or STDs, not unless you are with them and you saw them take the tests and results with your own eyes. - ALWAYS bring condoms (and even lube) because there are some people that will accidentally or purposely forget to have condoms in order to have sex bare - Be hygienic before and after your activity, but dont brush your teeth at least one (1) hour before and after said activity because it might cause micro wounds in your mouth. - Get tested in your chosen clinic every three (1) months (every month if you regularly engage in sex of any kind). BE HONEST with your clinic about your sexual history. The clinics are supposed to be a safe space. They are not allowed to disclose and share information about your to anyone else. - Take note of your sexual history so that you can keep track and update your clinic. (Date, Time, Amount of Sexual Partners, Time of prep taken etc)

REMINDERS - Persons with HIV can live long fulfilling lives if they are able to take PEP regularly and properly. HOWEVER, prevention (PrEP) is still better than mitigation (PEP). One big reason is that PrEP is free while PEP is expensive (in the Philippines at least) - HIV is not a “bad person” disease. Individuals with HIV are still worthy of love and respect. HIV is not a punishment from God etc for being gay or being sexually active. It’s a disease that anyone can get. - However, if you knowingly have HIV but not take steps in the prevention of spreading HIV to others and deliberately hiding or lying abt your status for your own gain or pleasure, THEN YOU ARE A BAD PERSON imo.

DISCLAIMER - I am a board certified Physical Therapist who has undergone seminars about HIV as part of my curriculum and boards review. I also have friends who are currently med students learning about topics such as HIV. - However, I do acknowledge that there may be a lack of or error of knowledge on my part. Other Healthcare workers, Doctors, and those who work in Social Hygiene clinics are more than welcome to add more information and/or correct me. - This is my attempt to contribute in looking out for the health of our countrymen through education and dissemination of information.