HIV Surveillance | STD Control Program | Tuberculosis Program
HIV Care & Prevention
Note: This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages on this site may address these topics.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a disease that causes the body to lose its natural protection against infection. The disease is one of the most devastating epidemics in modern history.
The virus is found in the blood and other body fluids of infected individuals. It can be transmitted during vaginal, anal or oral sex; or when sharing needles to shoot drugs, pierce the body or make tattoos. Pregnant women with HIV infection can pass the virus to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast feeding.
HIV attacks certain white blood cells that protect the body against illness. A person with AIDS is more likely to become ill from infections and unusual types of pneumonia and cancer that healthy persons normally can fight off.
Since HIV was first identified in 1981, it has spread rapidly throughout the world. In the United States, an estimated 1,122,900 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS, and up to 15% do not know they are infected.
People of color, particularly African Americans and Latinos, are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and have some of the highest infection rates. Gay and bisexual men, injection drug users and women represent other populations at greatest risk of infection.
There is no vaccine or cure for AIDS and those with HIV are infected for life.
There are, however, treatments and medicines that can help the body resist the virus, including anti-retroviral drugs. These drugs can increase the number of years between contracting HIV and developing AIDS, but they are not able to prevent the onset of AIDS.
| The State of Connecticut CADAP and CIPA services are being administered by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (beginning November 1, 2018). All applications and information about the Connecticut CADAP and CIPA programs can be found online at this web location: https://ctdph.magellanrx.com; or email CTDPHMRXENROLL@magellanhealth.com with specific questions. |
Frequently Asked Questions About:
Health Care and Support Services
Connecticut Ryan White Part B Standards of Care
HIV Partner Services Referrals
HIV Prevention PoliciesConnecticut Ryan White Part B Forms
Data Maps
- Hep C Cases
- Fatal Opioid Overdoses
- Non-Fatal Opioid Overdoses
- Newly Diagnosed HIV Cases
- People Living With HIV (PLWH)
- Syringe Services Programs (SSPs) Clients
- Quality Management Plan
- HIV / AIDS Services in Connecticut
- HIV Care, Prevention, and Support Services in Connecticut by County
- Universal Monitoring Standards Frequently Asked Questions
- Universal Monitoring Standards Part A & B
- Part B Fiscal Monitoring Standards
- Condom Ordering Policy
- Condom Ordering Information
- HIV/AIDS Epidemiological Profile
- DPH Funded HIV Interventions
- Connecticut OTL 2021 Report
- Connecticut Routine Testing 2021 Report
- Connecticut Syringe Service 2021 Report
HIV Partner Services Referrals
HIV Testing
- HIV Testing
- Implementing HIV Testing in Nonclinical Settings: A Guide for Testing Providers
- HIV testing locations in Connecticut
- Informed Consent to HIV test
- HIV and HCV Reporting Guidance
- HCV Rapid Test Report Form
- HCV and HIV Free Testing Locations
- OPEN Access Guidelines
- OPEN Access Membership Form
- Responding to an Overdose using Naloxone
- FAQs about the Teleflex Medical Voluntary Recall of Certain Atomizers included in Some Naloxone Kits
- 2022 International Overdose Prevention Day Event Locations
- PrEP Fact Sheet
- Connecticut PrEP Providers
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Guidelines
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Guidelines
Syringe Services Program (SSP)
- Guide to Developing & Managing Syringe Access Programs
- SSP Development & Implementation Guidelines for Health Departments
- Syringe Service Programs in Connecticut
- Syringe Service Programs Map
- Safe Needle Disposal
- Fentanyl Testing to Prevent Overdose
Tell Me What You See (TMWYS)
A supplemental resource developed in Connecticut that health educators can use to enhance existing curricula for high school-aged youth. The initiative addresses STDs, hepatitis and HIV prevention and integrates essential knowledge and skill development through an art-based approach to prevention education. The artwork and poetry was created by incarcerated youth and focuses on a multidisciplinary approach: Tell Me What You See Opens in a new window
Routine HIV Testing in Health Care Settings
The CDC-INFO Center provides timely, science-based, and consistent health information. It replaces the CDC HIV/AIDS Hotline. The CDC-INFO CENTER can be reached 24 hours a day at:
1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
1-888-232-6348 TTY
E-mail Address: cdcinfo@cdc.gov