Everyone Has A Status, Do You Know Yours?
One of the many resources we are able to provide to the tri-state is access to free hepatitis C and HIV testing. You may feel nervous about getting tested, but the reasons to test far outweigh the reasons to avoid it! Here’s a few reasons why you should look into testing:
- You’re in a new relationship and need to know your status. If you’ve just entered a new relationship, getting tested helps protect your partner as well. Testing for HIV regularly, and knowing your status, means that you can look after the sexual health of your partner, too.
- You know someone who also wants to get tested. This is a perfect opportunity for you to get tested. You can offer one another moral support.
- It’s been a while since you were last tested. Whether it’s been a few months or several years, if you’ve had unprotected sex, it’s a good idea to get checked.
- You’re having flu-like symptoms. If no one else around you has been sick or is currently sick and you are vulnerable to the disease, don’t rule out HIV. If you do test positive, early treatment is best to help with managing symptoms. While there is currently no cure for HIV, it can be controlled and managed with medication.
- You may be at risk without knowing it. Knowing your status is the best way to help prevent the spread of the disease. The CDC estimates that about 1.1 million people live with HIV in the U.S., but about 1 in 7 don’t know they are infected—you can be HIV positive for a decade or more before experiencing any symptoms.
- You’re looking to start PrEP. Starting PrEP requires you to have a negative HIV test. Look into getting tested while discussing options with your doctor.
- Your partner is HIV-positive. If your partner has disclosed their HIV positive status to you and you’ve been sexually active, you need to know your status too.
- You’ve injected drugs or you’ve had unprotected sex with a partner who has injected drugs. You may become infected by sharing needles or through a partner who has shared needles. You may think you’re safe, but that cannot be confirmed unless you are tested regularly. Being proactive about your HIV status is one of the best ways to continue to live your healthiest life.
- You want to start a family. Just because you test positive for HIV doesn’t mean you can’t be a parent—but it is important to learn what steps you need to take to ensure your child remains healthy.
- Better, more efficient counseling is available after getting tested. If you’re unsure of your status, it’s hard to get the appropriate help and resources you may need. Knowing your status can help you plan for both positive and negative test results.
It’s time to break the stigmas associated with HIV. If you’re ready to take the next steps in learning your status, contact our testing center at 812-421-0059 to schedule an appointment. You can also stop by our downtown office or attend one of our scheduled testing events around the tri-state. ARG is here to help you take control of your status.
Thanks you for information from . http://www.argevansville.org/
