 |
|||
 |
HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING Johnson County Public Health (JCPH) offers confidential HIV testing and counseling at no cost to voluntary participants. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV lives in blood, semen vaginal fluid, and breast milk. A person who has HIV can spread the virus to others through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral intercourse without a condom) and/or sharing needles; additionally, an HIV-positive mother can spread the virus to her child during pregnancy, birth, or when breastfeeding. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. WHO SHOULD GET TESTED? A person who has shared needles or engaged in unprotected sex is at risk for having or contracting HIV. No one is immune from getting HIV/AIDS. WHY PARTCIPATE IN HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING? Knowing your HIV status may help when making decisions about life plans, pregnancy, and health care. It is possible to have HIV and not know it. A person who is asymptomatic may spread the virus to others unknowingly. The counselor will work with you to help decrease your risk for infection and offer safer sex tools like latex condoms, dental dams, and water-based lubricants. If a person is infected with HIV, early medication can help slow damage to the immune system and maintain good health. Persons living with HIV can take steps to help prevent transmitting the virus to partners. HOW DOES THE TEST WORK? The HIV test performed by JCPH is a mouth swab that detects antibodies to the virus. Antibodies are created after the virus enters the body. It can take three months for the body to produce enough HIV antibodies to be detectable. HIV test results will be available in 20 minutes after the test is performed. Results must be given in person. A negative result means either a person is not infected with the virus, or has been exposed to the virus but has not yet developed enough antibodies to be detected. A positive test result means a person has been infected with HIV and can spread the virus to others; it does not mean one has AIDS. Persons who test positive for HIV will be offered counseling and supportive community referrals. Positive test results must be reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health. HOW CAN I RECEIVE HIV TESTING AND COUNSELING? HIV tests can be conducted by JCPH HIV Outreach Workers during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm) at the offices of JCPH, or during evenings on Monday and Thursday at the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic. Johnson County Public Health Free Medical Clinic (FMC)
|
 |
|
 |
|||
| MoMENtum is a program of Johnson County Public Health. Funded by the Iowa Department of Public Health. |
Site by bigskyonline.net | ||
This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. |
|||
 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
