June 27, 2021 is National HIV Testing Day
HIV is a virus with no effective cure. According to the CDC, more than 1.2 million are living with HIV in the U.S, but one in 7 don't know they are infected. This year, the theme for National HIV testing day is "My Test, My Way."
National HIV Testing Day originated in 1995 at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic to raise awareness about HIV and encourage everyone to know their status..
You can get a free HIV test and check your status in the privacy of your home in Pennsylvania - https://getmyhivtest.com/
We also included additional free resources in the links below from the CDC.
The only way to fail this test is by not taking it. By knowing your status, not only do you better your health, but you can protect those closest to you
We might be able to prevent new HIV infections, but first, we have to identify those currently affected. National HIV Testing Day is a way to accept and normalize routine HIV testing for all persons and help end the HIV epidemic. Normalizing testing is also a way to reduce the stigma around HIV.
HIV is no longer a death sentence, but to ensure good outcomes, it is best to detect the HIV as soon as possible. The virus attacks the immune system; the earlier it is detected; the less damage that may occur. Routine HIV screening is a way to identify cases as early as possible.
The CDC encourages everyone 13 to 64 to get tested for HIV. The theme this year highlights the different, convenient ways we can get tested for HIV in a way that works best for us.
Self-testing is available at many pharmacies like Asti’s Pharmacy 412-561-2347
Testing is available at local providers and the health department – The link below will take you to a location-based search tool or see the list of local providers below under resources- https://www.cdc.gov/stophivtogether/locator/index.html.
A free home test can be ordered here: https://together.takemehome.org/?utm_source=partner&utm_medium=organicenglish&utm_campaign=selftesting05&utm_term=free-kits&utm_content=nhtdannouncement.
People at higher risk should get tested more often.
If you were HIV-negative the last time you were tested, the test was more than one year ago. You can answer yes to any of the following questions; then you should get an HIV test as soon as possible:
Are you a man who has had sex with another man?
Have you had sex—anal or vaginal—with a partner who has HIV?
Have you had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test?
Have you injected drugs and shared needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment (for example, cookers) with others?
Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?
Have you been diagnosed with or treated for another sexually transmitted disease?
Have you been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis or tuberculosis (TB)?
Have you had sex with someone who could answer yes to any of the above questions or someone whose sexual history you don't know?
You should be tested at least once a year if you keep doing any of these things. Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent testing (for example, every 3 to 6 months).
If you're pregnant, talk to your health care provider about getting tested for HIV and other ways to protect you and your child from getting HIV.
Before having sex for the first time with a new partner, you and your partner should talk about your sexual and drug-use history, disclose your HIV status, and consider getting tested for HIV and learning the results." ( Source “Takemehome.org”)
UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMITTABLE/TREATMENT AS PREVENTION:
Get tested for HIV.
Choose less risky sexual behaviors.
Use a condom
Limit your number of sexual partners
Get tested and treated for STD's
Talk to your health care provider about PREP (https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep)
If you inject drugs - Use clean needles and don't share.
For more information, see: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prevention.html
Resources you can use:
HIV Testing - https://youtu.be/kmm4gUN-B34 Know Your Status
HIV Basic Information - https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html
Ready Set Get Your Prep - https://www.getyourprep.com/
Local Providers:
Regardless of your status, if you are looking for more information about including medical marijuana in your treatment plan, we welcome you to contact us for a private consultation with a Maitri pharmacist.
References and Sources:
CDC Getting Tested : https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/getting-tested.html ( Accessed 6-21-2021)
National Institutes of Health – HIV Prevention - https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/basics-hiv-prevention ( Accessed 6-21-2021)
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – PREP https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-prevention/using-hiv-medication-to-reduce-risk/pre-exposure-prophylaxis