Patient Education on HIV Care and Prevention

Welcome to our Patient Education resource hub. Here, you'll find a variety of brochures and materials designed to help you understand and manage your health. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective care and prevention. Explore our resources to learn more about testing, treatment options, and strategies for living well with HIV.

Take charge of your health today—browse our educational materials and reach out to our team at 216-778-8305 with any questions or for further support.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

In general, it means anything that falls outside of the guidelines of western medicine to treat a disease. Complementary Medicines are “along with” the usual treatments and Alternative Medicines are “instead of” them.

Two men sharing a selfie while on a hike

DoxyPEP

What is DoxyPEP?

DoxyPEP is an antibiotic taken after sex to prevent getting an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection). It helps stop the chance of getting certain kinds of infections caused by bacteria, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It doesn’t work against infections caused by viruses, like herpes, HPV, or HIV.

HIV Clinic

Our team is leading the way

MetroHealth Center of Excellence in HIV Care and Prevention is the leading HIV clinic in Northeast Ohio. Experienced and accomplished doctors provide a patient-centered, team-based approach to your care.

HIV Testing

What does an HIV test actually test for?

HIV tests look for special things in your body called antibodies. These are like little soldiers that your body makes to fight against HIV. If the test finds these antibodies, it means you might have HIV. But don’t worry, there’s another test to make sure.

A gloved hand holding a vial of medicine and syringe

Long-Acting Injectables (LAIs)

There are many reasons to change from taking a pill by mouth every day to an injection (a “shot”).

• You do not have to remember to take a pill every day
• The medication lasts in your body longer than with pills
• There may be fewer side effects than with pills
• You may have better control of your symptoms
• You may be hospitalized less often

Nursing your baby when you are living with HIV

Nursing (also called breastfeeding or chest feeding) your baby is now an option for people with HIV in the United States.

MetroHealth’s Center of Excellence in HIV Care & Prevention supports a shared decision-making model when it comes to how you choose to feed your baby.

PEP

What is PEP?

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a 28-day medication regimen that prevents HIV after an exposure (condomless sex).

PrEP

What is PrEP?

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is medication that is over 99% effective at preventing HIV before an exposure. It is available in a pill form and an every other month injectable form.

Prior Authorization

What is Prior Authorization?

Insurance will not pay for some medications without giving them reasons why it is being used. The process of giving the insurance this information is called Prior Authorization (sometimes shortened to Prior Auth or PA).

A person preparing to take a pill and checking their watch

Rapid Start

What is Rapid Start?

Starting HIV treatment the same day you find out you have HIV (or as soon as possible after).

Syphilis

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a sickness that people can get from having sex without protection. It’s called a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

A doctor holding a pin of the trans pride flag shaped like a heart

Trans Care Navigation

What is Trans Care Navigation?

Trans Care Navigation is a program to help with access to trans-specific healthcare services for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, including sexual health.

(U=U) Undetectable = Untransmittable

What does Undetectable = Untransmittable mean?

U=U means that when someone has HIV but takes their medicine regularly, their HIV becomes so low that it can’t be found in their blood. This means they can’t pass HIV to others through sex. Some people call this “treatment as prevention.”

Many hands holding a large HIV awareness ribbon

Center of Excellence in HIV Care

MetroHealth, Center of Excellence in HIV Care

If you’re living with HIV, finding a place to receive health care where you feel comfortable is important. Our HIV Clinic includes access to physicians, nurses, social workers counselors and other professionals to make sure all of your healthcare needs are met.