Did you know the CDC recommends EVERYONE who is sexually active be tested at least once between the ages of 13 and 64? I heard what you just thought: “Not me. I am in a committed relationship with one person.” I did not say anything about what type of relationship you are now in. I stated EVERYONE needs to be tested at least once. So that means YOU need to be tested if you haven’t. If you have multiple partners or are using IV drugs, you will need to be tested more often.
Did you know HIV does not discriminate? That’s right, it does not care what color your skin is, how much money you have, if you go to church, what type of job you have, or even if you think, “it can’t happen to me”...it does not care!!! No one deserves to get HIV. It doesn’t just happen to a specific type of person. It doesn’t just happen to a particular group of people. It can happen to YOU! Yes, YOU! This is why it is SO important to be tested. Wouldn’t you rather know?
How is HIV even spread? In the United States, HIV is mainly contracted from having sex (anal, oral, or vaginal sex - any type of sex) or sharing syringes or other injection equipment.
What is HIV? Human immunodeficiency virus attacks the body’s immune system and, if left untreated, can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
What are the symptoms? Per the CDC, most people experience flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks after infection. Symptoms can last a few days or several weeks. However, some people have ZERO symptoms. So I’ll say it again for the people in the back…get tested!
Can I live a long, healthy life if I test positive for HIV? While there is no cure, living a long, healthy life with treatment is possible. Per the CDC, most people get the virus under control within six months of starting treatment. Delaying treatment puts your partner and you at risk. So what are you waiting for? GET TESTED! Be in the know!
So, are you ready to schedule your HIV test? If so, we would love to have you test with us. All of our STD tests are FREE of charge. Let us make you an appointment ASAP because knowledge is POWER. Let us walk the next steps with you.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, June 1). Facts about HIV stigma. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-stigma/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022a, June 30). About HIV/AIDS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022b, July 14). Treatment. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/treatment.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, April 19). HIV testing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/stophivtogether/hiv-testing/?s_cid=so_togetherconsumertk0271
