Free rapid HIV testing offered
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.