HIV/AIDS

Publications Facts About HIV: Statistics, Trends and Prevention Messages (PDF) Treatment Guidelines for Clinicians (PDF) FAQ What is HIV? Who is Most at Risk for HIV and AIDS? How Do You Get Tested for HIV? What If You Test Positive? When and Where is Testing Available? When and Where Are Treatment Services Available? Useful Links

What is HIV?

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which causes the disease called AIDS. AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and is a sexually transmitted disease. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection and  it can take years for a person infected with HIV, even without treatment, to reach this stage. Having AIDS means that the virus has weakened the immune system to the point at which the body has a difficult time fighting any infections.
However, with today's new treatments, people who are HIV-positive can live full, active lives, and avoid progressing to AIDS...if the viral infection is known at an early stage. Don't wait. Get tested today!

ARE YOU POSITIVE YOU ARE NEGATIVE? HIV IS FOREVER.
BE SMART. GET TESTED. GET TREATED.

Who is Most at Risk for HIV and AIDS?

Anyone can get HIV—women and men, straight or gay. If you answer yes to one of the following questions, you should get tested.

• Have you had sex without a condom, even just once?
• Have you had more than one sex partner?
• Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease?
• Have you ever shared a needle?

How Do You Get Tested for HIV?

Testing for HIV:

• Is FREE
• Can be Painless -- One type of test is just a swipe from the inside of your mouth.  The other type of test is the traditional blood test.
• Is Quick -- With one type of test, results are ready in 20 minutes.
• Is Anonymous -- Completely. No names, no judgments.
• Is Easy -- Walk into the Cheverly Health Center, no appointments needed (except Wednesday evenings).
• Is Confidential -- No one will know your results but you.
• Is Important--Always know your HIV status. Find out how to avoid getting infected. If positive for HIV, find out how to avoid transmitting the virus to others and get treatment.

The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested.

What If You Test Positive?

No one has to face this situation alone. The Prince George’s County Health Department offers free HIV counseling that will:

• offer information on how to avoid infecting others.
• refer you to treatment services.
• help you tell sex partners and anyone you’ve shared a needle with that you are positive for HIV. It is very important that they get help also.

You owe it to yourself and those you love to get help.

When and Where is Testing Available?

Most HIV/AIDS testing is available on a walk-in basis. Call the clinic nearest you shown in the table below if you need more questions answered.

When and Where are Treatment Services Available?

HIV/AIDS treatment and services are currently available Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) both days and evenings by appointment at the Cheverly Health Center and D. Leonard Dyer Regional Health Center noted above.  Services include:

• a health assessment, including:
• a physical exam
• lab tests
• personal medical treatment plan addressing education, medication, nutritional needs, specialized care and referrals to other services
• specialized services for women, including Pap smears, cervical cancer screeing, mammograms and disease prevention education
• screening treatment for STDs (sexually transmitted diseases)
• case management, including
• health education
• emergency financial assistance
• transportation assistance
• HIV medication assistance
• Referrals for housing assistance and other social services

 Links

For more detailed information about HIV/AIDS testing, counseling and treatment, visit the following websites:

http://beSTDfree.com
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene/ AIDS Administration:  http://dhmh.state.md.us/AIDS/faq.htm

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