Washtenaw County Public Health Department stretches National HIV Testing Day to one week!

Free walk-in HIV testing will be offered through the Washtenaw County Public Health Adult Clinic during the week of June 23rd – 27th to mark National HIV Testing Day on June 27, 2008.

Call 734-544-6840 for a list of walk-in hours or for more information about HIV and STD testing.

There are an estimated 5,000 people in the state of Michigan who have HIV, but are not aware of it. During National HIV Testing Day events across the United States, thousands of people will obtain a potentially life-extending piece of information; their HIV test result. This is true whether they test positive or negative as they will all be taking a step towards protecting their health or the health of their partners.

National HIV Testing Day events offer an excellent opportunity to get tested for HIV.

How do you get HIV?

A person can get HIV when an infected person’s body fluids (blood, semen, fluids from the vagina or breast milk) enter his or her bloodstream. The virus can enter the blood through the linings in the mouth, anus, vagina, penis, or through broken skin.

Anyone can get HIV if they engage in certain activities. You may be at a higher risk of getting HIV if you have unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex or share needles or syringes (drug works). Pregnant women can also give HIV to their babies.

Testing for HIV?

You cannot tell who has HIV just by looking at them. An HIV test is the only way to know for sure if you or someone else has HIV. It may take up to 3 months for the HIV to show up on a test. Test results are available 7-10 days from testing.

You have the power to help stop the spread of HIV:

Talk about it: Talk about sex and HIV with your partners. Find out when they were lasted tested and what their status was. Be clear about your safer sex decisions or decision to not have sex.

Be safe: If you have sex, use a new latex or polyurethane condom or other barrier each time you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex. If you use needles or syringes do not share and call your local health department to find out about potential needle exchange programs.

Talk to your doctor: If you are sexually active you should get tested for HIV. Do not assume your doctor will ask you to be tested.

Spread the word: Set an example by getting tested and spreading the word that others should do the same.