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Free rapid HIV testing offered
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May 18, 2012 |
In recognition of National HIV Testing Day on
June 1, Panhandle Health District will offer
free Rapid HIV testing in its offices in all
five northern counties at specific times
throughout June. The rapid tests produce results
in about 15 minutes.
Appointments are needed for the free tests. Here
are the testing days and numbers to call for
appointments:
June 1 and 5 – PHD Hayden, 8500 N. Atlas Rd.; 9
a.m. to 4 p.m., (208) 415-5270.
June 4 – PHD St. Maries, 137 N. 8th ; 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., (208) 245-4556.
June 5 – PHD Kellogg, 114 Riverside; 10:30-11:30
a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m., (208) 786-7474.
June 7 – PHD Bonners Ferry, 7402 Caribou; 9-11
a.m. and 1-3 p.m., (208) 267-5558.
All month – PHD Sandpoint, 1020 Michigan; call
for appointment, (208) 263-5159.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
estimates that one in five people living with
HIV today are unaware that they’re HIV-positive.
The CDC recommends that people from age 13
through 64 include an HIV test in their annual
physical exams.
HIV is passed on through contact with the blood,
semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk of an
infected person. Unprotected sex with an
untested partner places a person at high risk of
HIV exposure. Sharing syringes and needles can
expose a person to blood infected with HIV.
Infected women can pass the virus to their
babies during pregnancy, childbirth and
breastfeeding.
A long-term monogamous sexual relationship with
a tested partner is the best prevention to HIV
exposure. Latex condoms and not sharing syringes
and needles also offer some protection. People
may be infected with HIV and not know it.
HIV infection doesn’t exhibit visible signs and
it may take years to develop into AIDS. Only an
HIV test can confirm that a person is not
infected.
As of the end of 2011, 66 people in the five
northern counties were living with HIV and 88
were living with AIDS. Four were diagnosed with
HIV in 2011 and two were diagnosed with AIDS.
Early detection reduces the potential that a
patient may unknowingly spread HIV.
“The more people who test and take care of their
health, the better,” said Lisa Cramer, who
coordinates PHD’s sexually transmitted disease
and HIV programs. “Studies show that people who
know they’re HIV-positive take more
precautions.”
The rapid HIV test is similar to a pregnancy
test, using blood from a finger stick instead of
urine. If test results are positive, blood will
be drawn from the patient for a second test for
confirmation.
For information on HIV testing and counseling,
visit
www.phd1.idaho.gov. |
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