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HIV is a debilitating virus that targets the immune system, wreaking substantial havoc. To this day, no cure for HIV exists. Individuals who get infected with this virus will need to take medication for the rest of their lives to keep symptoms contained and avoid AIDS.

Once an individual comes down with HIV, they may first get skin rashes, swollen glands, and pain in their joints/muscles. By its very nature, HIV does not go away on its own. The cells repeatedly multiply and go on to assail the human body from the inside.

HIV is also highly contagious, with transmission commonly happening via vaginal and semen fluids, breast milk, and blood.

Given the stringency of this virus, it makes sense that people would want to avoid HIV-positive status. California is now paving the way to making this easier through S.B. 339.

Taking preventive measures against HIV infection

PrEP or prophylaxis is a drug that people consume to prevent coming down with HIV if and when they feel they may have been recently exposed to the virus.

California lawmaker Scott Wiener put forward a bill that would permit people to get PrEP from their local pharmacies without needing a doctor's prescription. In doing so, the Democratic state senator stressed the need for more people to have access to this drug that can avert HIV.

Gov. Gavin Newsom shares Wiener's point of view. This week, Newsom signed off on S.B. 339, marking a turning point for California residents.

Going forward, insurers and healthcare providers will have to cover the expenses associated with PrEP orders and other pharmacist services connected to the drug. School districts and localities that incur costs as a result of new changes will also receive reimbursement from the state of California.

Other means of safeguarding against HIV

While prophylaxis - both preexposure and postexposure - remains well-documented as an effective means of preventing HIV, other worthwhile methods exist.

For starters, sexually active individuals should make certain they use condoms during intercourse. Regardless of one's sexual activity, anyone who injects drugs into their body should also ensure they only use sterile syringes and needles.