Dec 2022 PSA: HIV Awareness

Because World AIDS Day is December 1^st, we have chosen to highlight information about HIV this month.

With most conditions a person becomes concerned when they develop symptoms. With HIV, symptoms may not develop for many weeks or months after exposure. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that everyone aged 13 – 64 should be tested for HIV at least once, and if they are sexually active or share syringes or other injection equipment they should be tested yearly. All pregnant people should be tested for HIV because treatment is available that substantially reduces the risk of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV.

Unlike some other viruses, the human body can’t get rid of HIV completely. Once a person has HIV, they have it for life, but with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.

Here are some resources we recommend:

CDC Resource Let’s Stop HIV Together

Minnesota Department of Health HIV Testing Clinics and Outreach Sites. There are at least 7 sites in Minneapolis; 5 in St. Paul; and 8 in Greater Minnesota.

Minnesota Department of Health HIV Prevention and Care

CDC HIV Treatment