Latinos Salud’s healthcare providers answer some of the community’s most pressing concerns. This month, Kensy Chavez, ARNP, shares what you need to know about coping with an HIV diagnosis, what it means to be “undetectable,” and the emotional impacts of HIV.
What Changes with an HIV Diagnosis?
OutClique: All of us in the gay community know how much HIV treatment has improved over the decades. Still, people even now say, “I just tested positive. What’s next? Am I going to die?”
What do you say to a patient at their first medical visit at Latinos Salud?
Kensy Chavez, ARNP: I start by saying: HIV is no longer a death sentence. With proper care, people with HIV can live in good health for decades—basically just as long as someone who is HIV-negative. But the fear and shock are real. That moment of diagnosis is a major emotional event, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. My job is to help patients move from fear to empowerment.
The first step is confirmatory testing, usually with a follow-up lab test. When a rapid test shows a “preliminary positive,” we confirm the result immediately. Once confirmed, we assess:
- Your overall health, including CD4 count and viral load.
- Co-infections, such as Hepatitis B or C, STIs, or tuberculosis.
- Readiness to start treatment. We recommend starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible—ideally, on the same day as diagnosis.
Early ART brings the virus under control quickly, preserves the immune system, and gives patients a sense of control. It helps reduce long-term complications and mental health burdens.
We also screen for mental health, substance use, and social support. HIV doesn’t happen in isolation. If someone is dealing with depression, addiction, or homelessness, we help with those challenges too.
As for medication: most people expect it to be intense, but today’s HIV meds are easier than ever. In most cases, it’s just one pill, once a day—with minimal side effects. We personalize your regimen based on your needs and medical history.
Bottom line: HIV is 100% manageable. You can live, work, travel, have sex, have kids—all of it. The key is to stay connected to care, take your meds, and attend your checkups. HIV doesn’t define you, but how you manage it shapes your life—and I’m here to help you build a life that’s full, long, and healthy.
What Does “Undetectable” Mean?
OutClique: What does “undetectable” mean? Are you cured?
Chavez: Great question—and one of the most important concepts to understand.
When we say someone is undetectable, we mean their viral load—the amount of HIV in their blood—is so low that standard lab tests can’t detect it. This is the goal of consistent antiretroviral therapy.
But undetectable is not the same as cured. The virus is still in the body, just under control. Think of it like turning down a fire: the flames disappear, but the coals are still hot. Stop taking medication, and the flames come back.
The life-changing news is:
Undetectable = Untransmittable
(“U=U”)
If your viral load is undetectable, you cannot transmit HIV sexually. This fact is backed by major studies (like PARTNER and HPTN 052) and endorsed by the CDC.
To stay undetectable, you must take your meds daily. Skipping doses or stopping treatment can lead to viral rebound or resistance.
So no, undetectable doesn’t mean you’re cured—but it’s a major milestone in managing HIV. With adherence and regular care, people with HIV can live a full, healthy, and normal lifespan.
The Emotional Impact of HIV
OutClique: Any final advice for those newly diagnosed—or long-term survivors feeling discouraged?
Chavez: Yes. Don’t do this alone. HIV thrives in silence and shame. But the moment you speak up, start treatment, and get connected to care—you take your power back.
Whether it’s peer navigators, online communities, or providers like me—we’re here to support you, not judge you.
If you’ve been living with HIV for years and feel tired or burned out, that’s valid. Long-term survivorship can feel heavy. But you’re not failing. Every day you stay in care and take your meds is a win.
If you’re struggling, reach out—even just to say, “I’m tired.” Latinos Salud is here for you.
Make an Appointment
It’s easy to get care at Latinos Salud—and you don’t have to be Latino to access services.Visit www.LatinosSalud.org and click the Appointments tab.
Content Courtesy of OutClique Staff
