#hiv testing

[rainbowcafelgbtqcenter]

When was the last time YOU got tested?

Today is National Transgender HIV Testing Day (NTHTD) - it's an annual observance through the CDC and other HIV-focused health organizations to spark conversations about the need for HIV testing and prevention. Like many marginalized populations, HIV disproportionally affects transgender individuals compared to the general population and has done so since the original 1980s AIDS epidemic.

It's 2024. HIV is completely treatable and preventable - as long as you have the knowledge and the tools.

Every single person should get tested for HIV at least once in their lives, even if they're not sexually active. In Illinois, once you turn 12 years old, you can get tested for HIV and prevention tools like PrEP and PEP entirely on your own without parental permission/consent.

Sexually active individuals should be tested for HIV at least once per year, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. HIV can and does affect everyone, so make it a part of your annual wellness routine and doctor's visit. There's a variety of ways to get tested for HIV - whether it's through an at-home test, at the doctor's office, or with an organization like us at Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ Center!

High-risk people, like individuals who frequently have unprotected sex or share injectable drugs/equipment, should get tested for HIV more often. The CDC recommends high-risk populations get tested every 3 to 6 months, depending on need. On the other hand, the CDC does not recommend anyone get tested more than 4 times a year unless...

You should get tested each and every time there's an emergency like you had unprotected sex, the condom broke, or you had to share drug equipment.

If you test negative, you have a couple of options to prevent getting HIV in the future. If you're someone who comes into contact with HIV somewhat regularly, like if you have engage in unprotected sex, have a partner living with HIV, or normally share injection drug equipment, you should consider PrEP - a daily pill that prevents HIV long-term. Alternatively, if you're someone who doesn't into contact with HIV very often and there's an emergency like a condom breaking, there's PEP, which prevents HIV transmission after exposure if taken quickly enough.

If you test positive, you'll be prescribed the necessary medications to ensure you will live a long, healthy life just like any of your other peers. It might seem scary since there still isn't a permanent cure for HIV, but living with HIV really means just taking your daily meds, doing some routine bloodwork with your doctor, and making sure to tell your future/current partners.

[metz-n-matteo]

Help our friend Shad Cruz (pictured second from the right) raise funds for his AIDS/LifeCycle @aidslifecycle journey. It is a 545 mile cycling trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The donations support life-saving services offered by San Francisco AIDS Foundation @sfaidsfound and the Los Angeles LGBT Center @lalgbtcenter.

Donate here!

[akocomyk]

Love Out Loud

February 17, 2023

My company’s LGBTQI+ community organized a Pride Community event with the theme Love Out Loud—a celebration of our continuous journey of inclusion and diversity. Its aim was to build self-awareness, have a well-versed idea about HIV, and to advocate a safe environment free of stigma, discrimination, and fear.

Weeks before the event, I was invited by the organizers to perform during the program, being the runner-up of last year’s Pride’s Got Talent—the winner was also invited.

I sang “Ikaw at Ako” by Johnoy Danao and, as an opening spiel, shared how that song became a bridge for Gerald and me to get to know each other and eventually fall in love. Days prior, during Valentine’s, I was serenading Gerald with the same song in a video call because we couldn’t have an actual date.

Going back, that was the first time I got to meet and bond with my fellow community members in our company. Technically, it was the second time we’ve all seen each other since we’re present during the Got Talent competition, but I was trapped inside my holding area that day and I couldn’t really mingle with them. Anyhow, meeting them was fun and liberating—like there’s a sense of welcome and respect.

Photos curtesy of Angelo Camaya

Staying true to the program’s mission, Pete Tan from LoveYourself.ph delivered a talk about HIV awareness—preventing transmission, getting tested, treatment, and living a life with HIV.

At the start of his talk, Pete asked who among the attendees were aware of their HIV status. Several people raised their hands.

I didn’t—for obvious reasons.

And that bugged me. Also, I was a bit ashamed, considering that I strongly advocate for inclusion & diversity and everything that goes with it.

Everyone also knows that I have a partner and we’re quite active in bed. Even though we’ve both been faithful to each other and have only had experience with one another, it’s still good to be aware of what our statuses.

March 4, 2023

I initially wanted to order a self-test kit from Lazada, but then people from the reviews section are saying that the kit is not approved by the FDA and that it’s better to go to a proper testing center. In addition, HIV screening and testing is provided for free at accredited facilities.

I went to the LoveYourself.ph site and found out that they have a branch in Bacoor—Hero by LoveYourself—so I booked an appointment yesterday. I’ll be around the area since I also had a physical therapy session—my PT clinic is also in Bacoor.

Anyhow, after my therapy, I ate lunch and went to Hero by LoveYourself. The staff were very friendly and accommodating and—I don’t know how—there was just a homey feel about the place.

Minutes after submitting my form, I was called—by my birthday—and we went into a small, enclosed area where all the unused testing kits were. The facilitator pricked my finger and drew a few drops of my blood which he put onto the kit. He was trying to comfort me throughout this whole process—apologizing for the prick and asking if it was too painful.

I was then asked to return to the lounge area and wait for around fifteen minutes for me to be called. 

A different staff member called me and then we went to a counseling area. She asked me about the history of my sexual activity. And seeing as I only have one sexual partner, I have a very low risk. That’s when she allowed me to pull the testing kit out of its packet and see the results.

She then proceeded with the precautions and advised ways to further prevent acquiring HIV. She was curious as to why I opted on doing a test, so I shared about hearing Pete Tan’s talk in our Love Out Loud event wherein he encouraged us to undergo HIV screening. And then she advised me to do this regularly—if possible, along with my partner—despite of the low risks, just for our peace of mind.

And then… That was it. I went out of the center feeling relieved and proud that I was able to undergo the screening.

[humanrightsconnected]

Today marks World Aids Day! As we commemorate this important day, discover different ways how you can support people who are living with HIV! 

👉 http://bit.ly/3ubzN6d 

📸 by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash

[our-reb00t-boi]

I know this is years ago but someone's reblog it for updated info but also the info above is still important ao

Also: don’t stigmatize HIV+ individuals because they all have different circumstances and might’ve  gotten the virus from a variety of sources (sex, occupational, birth, blood transfusions in other countries). 

HIV-related stigma remains a huge barrier to preventing HIV, and is linked to a low level of people testing for HIV. 

The bad news is that Trump is cutting America’s spending on HIV year after year.  He has taken steps to weaken the Affordable Care Act since coming to power.

[fidicushiv]

Call : +917997101303 | Whatsapp : https://wa.me/917997101505 | Website : https://fidicus.com

HIV అని డౌటా ? ఏ పరీక్షలు చేయించుకోవాలి? Best Tests for HIV AIDS | Treatment Cure Medicine

"Learn about the essential tests for diagnosing HIV/AIDS in this informative video. We explore various methods like antibody tests, antigen/antibody combination tests, and nucleic acid tests (NAT) that help detect HIV early. Understand how these tests work, their accuracy, and the importance of regular screening for timely treatment. Stay informed about your health and the advancements in HIV testing for a healthier future."

Dr. Bharadwaz | HIV AIDS | Health & Fitness | Homeopathy, Medicine & Surgery | Clinical Research

#HIVTesting #AIDSDiagnosis #HealthAwareness #HIVPrevention #stayinformed

#DrBharadwaz #Helseform #Fidicus #Clingenious

#ClingeniousHealth #HelseformFitness #FidicusHomeopathy #ClingeniousResearch

#FidicusHIV #HIV #AIDS #HumanImmunodeficiencyViruses #AcquiredImmuneDeficiencySyndrome

#Treatment #Cure #Prevent #Relieve #Medicine #Vaccine

#AlternativeTherapy #AdjuvantTherapy #AlternativeMedicine #AlternativeSystem

Specialty Clinic Fidicus HIV highest success with homeopathy Improve Wellness | Increase Longevity | Addresses Questions

[mattywritess]

Anonymous HIV Testing: Why It Matters and Where to Get It at Someone Cares, Inc.

HIV testing is an important step in preventing and treating the spread of the virus. However, many people are hesitant to get tested due to fears of being stigmatized or judged. This is where anonymous HIV testing comes in – it offers individuals a safe and private way to get tested without disclosing their identity. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of anonymous HIV testing and how Someone Cares, Inc. in Marietta, GA is providing this service to the community.

The Facts about HIV

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections. As the virus progresses, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is the final stage of HIV infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States in 2018, with an estimated 38,000 new infections each year. One of the most concerning aspects of HIV is that many people are unaware that they have it. The CDC reports that around 14% of people living with HIV in the US are unaware of their infection. This not only puts their own health at risk but also increases the risk of spreading the virus to others unknowingly.

The Importance of Anonymous HIV Testing

The fear of stigma and discrimination is a major barrier to HIV testing. Many individuals, especially those in marginalized communities, may avoid getting tested due to concerns about confidentiality and privacy. This is where anonymous HIV testing plays a crucial role. Anonymous HIV testing allows individuals to get tested without revealing their identity. This means that their test results will not be linked to their name, ensuring complete privacy and confidentiality. This can be especially beneficial for those who are at a higher risk of HIV, such as sex workers, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people who use injection drugs.

The Benefits of Anonymous HIV Testing

Privacy and Confidentiality: As mentioned, anonymous HIV testing ensures that an individual's identity is not linked to their test results. This provides a safe and private way for people to get tested without the fear of being discriminated against.

Increased Testing Rates: Due to the fear of stigma, many individuals do not get tested for HIV. However, with anonymous testing, more people may be encouraged to get tested, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Early Detection and Treatment: The earlier HIV is detected, the better the chances of managing the virus and preventing it from progressing to AIDS. Anonymous HIV testing can help catch infections in the early stages, allowing for timely treatment and reducing the risk of complications.

Where to Get Anonymous HIV Testing at Someone Cares, Inc.

Someone Cares, Inc. in Marietta, GA is a non-profit organization that provides free and confidential HIV/AIDS testing, counseling, and support services. They offer both anonymous and confidential testing options, allowing individuals to choose the one that best suits their needs. Their anonymous HIV testing service is conducted through a unique identifier system. This means that an individual is assigned a code to use instead of their name, ensuring complete anonymity throughout the testing process. Results are delivered in person, ensuring that they are not accidentally disclosed to anyone else. In addition to testing, Someone Cares, Inc. also offers counseling and support services for those who test positive for HIV. Their trained professionals provide emotional support, education, and resources to help individuals cope with their diagnosis and live a fulfilling life.

Contact Someone Cares, Inc. for Anonymous HIV Testing

Anonymous HIV testing in Marietta, GA is a crucial service that allows individuals to get tested without fear of stigma or discrimination. It helps increase testing rates and allows for early detection and treatment of HIV. At Someone Cares, Inc., individuals can access this service in a safe and confidential manner. Don't let fear prevent you from getting tested – take control of your health and get tested today. If you are in the Marietta, GA area and are in need of anonymous HIV testing, contact Someone Cares, Inc. Their team of compassionate and knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all individuals seeking HIV testing.

[worldaidsday]

Boost in HIV Services to End AIDS by 2030.

Watch UN Agencies Urge an Immediate Boost in HIV Services to End AIDS by 2030!

[lifethroughaqueerlens]

Together we can see an end to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our lifetime.

[hivdoctorsindelhi]

HIV Doctor in Delhi/NCR HIV Testing & Counselling

CD4 cells, also known as T-helper cells or T-cells, are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the functioning of the immune system. In the context of HIV infection Doctor In Delhi, CD4 cells are the primary target of the virus. HIV attacks and destroys CD4 cells, leading to a weakened immune system.

The CD4 count refers to the number of CD4 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Monitoring CD4 counts is an essential part of managing HIV infection because it provides valuable information about the health of the immune system and the progression of the disease.

A low CD4 count indicates that the immune system is weakened and unable to effectively fight off infections. As HIV progresses, CD4 counts typically decline, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections and other complications. Conversely, increasing CD4 counts is a key goal of HIV treatment, as it indicates improvement in immune function and a reduced risk of illness.

Improving CD4 counts for HIV patients involves a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes. Here are some strategies:

Healthy Diet: Encourage a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Adequate nutrition supports overall health and immune function.

Regular Exercise: Moderate exercise has been shown to boost immune function and improve overall health. Consult with a healthcare provider to develop a safe exercise plan.

Adequate Sleep: Ensure sufficient restorative sleep, as it plays a crucial role in immune function and overall health.

Stress Management: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system. Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress levels.

Avoiding Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can further weaken the immune system. Encourage quitting smoking and moderation in alcohol intake.

Supplements (if needed): Some people may benefit from supplements such as vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc, but it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation.

Hygiene and Infection Prevention: HIV patients should take extra precautions to prevent infections, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding contact with sick individuals.

Support Groups and Mental Health Care: Joining support groups or seeking counseling can provide emotional support and help cope with the challenges of living with HIV, which in turn can positively impact immune function.

It's essential for HIV patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Regular Monitoring: Regular monitoring of CD4 counts and viral load is essential for assessing the effectiveness of treatment and making adjustments as needed.

Avoiding Exposure to HIV: Practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles or other injection equipment can prevent exposure to HIV and reduce the risk of further immune system damage.

Education and Empowerment: Providing education and empowering HIV patients to take an active role in their healthcare can lead to better treatment adherence and overall health outcomes.

HIV specialists, often infectious disease physicians or immunologists with expertise in HIV care, play a crucial role in managing HIV patients. These specialists work closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans, monitor their health, and provide ongoing support and care.

Although there is no cure for HIV at present, ongoing research into new treatments, vaccines, and potential cure strategies continues. HIV specialists stay updated on the latest developments in HIV research and treatment options, providing patients with the best available care and guidance.

If you or someone you know is living with HIV, consulting with a qualified HIV specialist can help ensure access to the most effective treatment and support services available.

Dr. Raina’s Safe Hands Clinic

Dr. Vinod Raina HIV Doctors In Hazrat Nizamuddin

Contact Us-9136363692 | 9871605858

Address: — Saket E-34, Ekta Apartments near Malviya Nagar Metro Station Gate No-4 New Delhi-110017

[acorncarechesapeake]

Convenient and Confidential STD Testing Services in Chesapeake VA

At Acorn Care, we know that maintaining good sexual health is imperative, and having a clear mind that you are safe eliminates the worry. That is why we provide convenient and confidential HIV and STD testing in Chesapeake VA, which is designed to address your needs through all the required care.

[head-post]

Rishi Sunak sorry for infected blood scandal

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has apologised “sincerely and unequivocally” to the victims of the contaminated blood scandal, saying it was “a day of shame for the British state.”

The Prime Minister apologised in a packed House of Commons hours after Brian Langstaff published his report accusing the British government of covering up the disaster.

Sunak spared no element of the British government in his criticism, which highlighted the blunders of ministers, civil servants and the NHS. However, he himself faced accusations that he had added to the victims’ pain by failing to set up a compensation scheme a year ago when Langstaff first proposed it. He said:

This is a day of shame for the British state. Today’s report shows a decades-long moral failure at the heart of our national life – from the National Health Service to the civil service to ministers in successive governments at every level – that people and institutions in which we place our trust failed in the most harrowing and devastating way.

History of the scandal’s origins

The mass human infections occurred in the 1970s and 1980s. Most of the victims suffered from haemophilia, or a blood clotting disorder, and were injected with a drug called clotting factor VIII, a gene defect in which can lead to haemophilia. The US produced the drug, where high-risk people, including drug users and prisoners, often became donors. Donated blood had no HIV tests until 1986 and no hepatitis C tests until 1991. And one carrier of the virus is enough to spoil the entire batch, Sky News reports.

Read more HERE

[infohugnj]

Empowering Health: Unveiling HUG NJ's Premier HIV Testing Center

Welcome to HUG NJ, where excellence in healthcare meets compassion in service. Our HIV testing center stands as a beacon of hope, offering accessible, confidential, and comprehensive hiv testing center to individuals seeking to take control of their sexual health. With a steadfast commitment to promoting awareness, early detection, and support, we strive to empower our community to prioritize their well-being. Join us as we delve into the significance of HIV testing and the array of resources available at our esteemed facility.

GET IN TOUCH

Phone:  +1 (201) 350-4909

Address:  405 Kearny Ave in Kearny, NJ 07032

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-12PM, 1PM-5PM

Friday 9AM-1PM

[hugfl]

Understanding Hepatitis C: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Explore comprehensive information about Hepatitis C, a viral infection affecting the liver, on our dedicated resource page. Hepatitis C is a significant global health concern, characterized by its potential to cause chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, and even liver cancer if left untreated. Our resource provides detailed insights into the causes, transmission modes, risk factors, symptoms, and available treatment options for Hepatitis C. With up-to-date medical knowledge and expert guidance, empower yourself or your loved ones to understand this condition better, seek appropriate medical care, and navigate the journey towards better liver health. Whether you're looking to enhance your understanding as a healthcare professional or seeking information for personal reasons, our comprehensive guide aims to be a valuable resource in your quest for Hepatitis C awareness and management.

GET IN TOUCH

Phone: +1 (321) 339 3424

Address: 920 S Babcock St, Melbourne, FL 32901

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9AM-12PM, 1PM-5PM

Friday 9AM-1PM

[peonylover2]

This is your reminder to Get Tested.

Lookup your own country information on where to get tested. Ask your GP , if you can’t find it online.

Don’t make your recklessness someone’s life disaster.