This year, we are honoring National HIV Testing Day by offering $27 HIV antibody tests*. Order by June 30th and test by September 1st. Whether you saw our dedicated team handing out free condoms at Chicago’s PRIDE Parade or this is your first time visiting us, we encourage you to test to simply know your status—for both yourself and your partner(s). To better educate you on HIV, here are the facts…
Who’s at risk?
HIV disproportionately affects certain populations. At risk populations include men who have sex with men (MSM), African Americans, and Hispanic individuals.
- Although MSMs only make up 2% of the US population, they account for more than 50% of new HIV infections.
- The CDC estimates the 1 in 16 African American males and 1 in 32 African American females will receive a diagnosis of HIV at some point in their lives.
- Hispanic men and women accounted for 20% of new HIV infections in 2009.
What are the symptoms?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 5 people infected with HIV are not currently aware of their infection.
- HIV rarely causes symptoms—sometimes the infection can remain hidden (called asymptomatic) for 10 years or more.
- When HIV does cause symptoms, they may include…
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth
When should I get tested?
- At least once a year (or more) for those who engage in risky sexual behavior or are part of the at-risk population mentioned above.
- If you are concerned about a recent potential exposure, our doctors encourage you to wait three weeks before testing and to retest after 3 months. If you test too soon, your result may be a false negative (a negative result on your test when you may, in fact, be positive). The longer you wait, the more antibodies your body can produce; thus, giving you a more accurate result.
Where is HIV most prevalent in the US?
HIV exists throughout the entire country—and the world for that matter—however, research shows urban areas (500,000+ people) are where the majority of infections occur. Here are the top 10 cities in the US with the highest instances of HIV:
- Miami, FL
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Jacksonville, FL
- New York, NY
- Washington DC
- Columbia, SC
- Memphis, TN
- Orlando, FL
- New Orleans, LA
- Baltimore, MD
Why you should get tested
You should get tested to take control of your sexual health. Although drug therapy has greatly improved the lives of those infected, AIDS (the late stage, advanced form of disease onset when HIV goes untreated) is still a global problem. Be a part of the solution. Get tested.
As always, any questions or concerns, we’re here to help. Order your HIV antibody test online or give us a call at 877-257-1618 and mention the code 2012 HIV Test.
- The STD Test Express Team
* RI, NY, and NJ residents pay $27 + lab fee (payable at time of lab visit)
Tags: AIDS, HIV, HIV Antibody, HIV Test, hiv/aids, National HIV Testing Day, NHTD, STD Test
