HIV – Early Detection And Care Can Make A Significant Difference To Your Health

HIV – Early Detection And Care Can Make A Significant Difference To Your Health

Many people tend to believe HIV is not as serious a threat as it was. This is not necessarily true. Here are a few facts you need to know with regard to the seriousness of HIV in the United States:

• Prevalence – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that even as of today more than a million people in the U.S. are living with HIV. Of these, a good slice of people is unaware of their HIV-positive status, underscoring the importance of HIV testing and early detection.
• Although new infections showed a gradual decline till 2019, it is possible that disruption of Healthcare Services during the peak of the COVID-19 caused many healthcare facilities to be overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, leading to reduced capacities for non-emergency services. Some clinics and testing centers had to modify their operations or temporarily close, affecting routine HIV testing and screening services.
• Certain populations, such as gay and bisexual men, Black/African American individuals, and Hispanic/Latino individuals, continue to be at high risk for infections.
• Stigma surrounding HIV continues to remain a major barrier to prevention and treatment efforts. Fear of discrimination is discouraging high risk individuals from getting tested, seeking care, or disclosing their status, further extending the spread of the virus.
• In some regions, the opioid epidemic has contributed to an increase in HIV cases, particularly through the sharing of contaminated needles among people who inject drugs.

We must however understand that all is not lost if a person is diagnosed with HIV. Treatment and care are available for viral suppression.

Although there is no cure for HIV, advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have transformed the management of HIV infection. If people living with HIV have access to and consistently take ART as prescribed, they can achieve considerable improvement in their condition. Not only does the health of the individual improve but also prevents HIV transmission to others.

The good news is HIV prevention strategies have expanded to include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk of HIV acquisition. PrEP is a daily medication that, when taken as prescribed, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV.

If you believe you are at high risk, it makes sense to get tested for HIV in Arlington.

Yes, HIV testing can be done in an Urgent Care unit. Look for one near you. Many Urgent Care centers offer HIV testing services along with other medical tests and treatments. HIV testing is often a part of routine healthcare services and is easily accessible in many healthcare settings, including Urgent Care facilities.

There are different types of HIV tests available. In Arlington quick STD test including rapid tests that provide results in a matter of minutes is available. These tests may involve a simple blood draw, a fingerstick, or an oral swab. The type of test used can vary depending on the specific Urgent Care center and its capabilities.

In Urgent care HIV testing is typically confidential, and healthcare providers adhere to strict privacy and confidentiality guidelines. This means that your test results and personal information will be kept confidential.

There are several advantages if you want to get tested for HIV in Arlington.

• No appointment is needed, you can just walk in
• All tests are FDA approved / cleared
• Open all 7 days.

It is a good idea to call ahead and inquire about the urgent care centers’ specific testing services and hours of operation. Although most urgent care clinics offer walk-in services , a few may require an appointment. And do not forget to check if there are any associated costs for the testing, as coverage and payment options can vary based on your healthcare insurance and the specific center.