There are new HIV infections each year across the world. This is despite the many awareness campaigns being run worldwide. In 2015, the US recorded about 38,500 new cases of HIV infections according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Though these numbers have significantly reduced, the country is fighting hard to ensure that the epidemic of the 80s is not repeated.
The best place to start is ensuring that people get to know their status so that they can start early medical treatment as well as prevent transmission to their partners without knowing. With statistics indicating that about 13% of people infected with HIV are unaware, it is alarming hence the recommendation by CDC to have all individuals between the age of 13 and 64 get an HIV test at least once as part of the routine health care.
It does not matter if you are in a monogamous relationship where you have intercourse with your partner alone; you need to get tested to know your status.
Free HIV testing and Counseling
The government understands that people are in faced with hard financial times and this could be contributing to the fact that some are not going for the tests. However, it is worth noting that HIV testing is necessary to help improve the health of people living with HIV and preventing further transmission.
In order to prevent more infections, HIV testing is now faster and in many cases free if you visit government hospitals, clinics, community health center, and drug and substance program centers. You can check in on your Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) center and request for the diagnosis, not to forget the counseling that accompanies it to ensure you always live a healthy and positive life.
After all, if you need to visit your private medical doctor or clinic, the cost is never too high considering the worth of a healthy life. Take action now and get tested; the rapid tests are available throughout the week in many clinics provided you schedule an appointment on time. You don’t need to worry about your confidentiality as every visitor is accorded the necessary anonymity with no records of identifying information made.
A good example where you can get a free HIV test is the Berkeley Free Clinic in Berkeley, California. This clinic also offers free testing for other STIs.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/statistics.html
https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/docs/factsheets/hiv-testing-us-508.pdf
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