The post Rash is Not Always a Skin Condition; It Could be HIV Symptom! appeared first on StdExpressClinic.
]]>How many of you have undergone HIV test? CDC recommends every sexually active person to undergo HIV test atleast once in their lifetime.
According to doctors, when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, you feel fine doesn’t mean you are fine. This is because most STDs are asymptomatic. Viruses and bacteria of certain STDs, such as HIV, lurk inside your body for decades.
In case of HIV, a person may get early stage HIV symptoms like rash. This goes away through normal medication. Then, the person stays fine and healthy for years. He or she may not even be aware that the rash was a symptom of HIV! Then, years later, the person experiences worse symptoms.
STDs can be that deceptive!
That’s the reason doctors recommend undergoing a test, if you are sexually active. This can save you from horrible complications later in life.
One of the common things about most STDs is that they show early stage symptoms. But often, they are too mild or too common to believe it could be a sexually transmitted infection.
Like the earlier example of rash, which is one of the earliest symptoms of HIV, many other STDs also show such other symptoms. People often mistake them to be some other disease or condition.
What would you think of a rash? A skin condition, of course! Would you think it to be a symptom of HIV? Hardly!
However, in Arlington, HIV screening test can reveal whether your rash is just a skin condition, or a symptom of HIV.
But for this, you must be aware of your sexual health. You must take responsibility and act wisely. If you believe you are exposed, you mustn’t continue living life as if nothing has happened. Visit the clinic and ask for a test. Ensure your sexual health. This way, you also ensure your partner’s sexual health.
This is not all. If you are infected, you could infect your future baby. Just one sexual act can spread HIV infection. And then it may spread from infected mother to baby. When the baby grows and engages in sexual activity, he or she may spread the infection to their partner.
One virus – many generations.
Let’s not make it scarier than this, right?
Whether you get early stage HIV symptoms like rash or not, if you think you are exposed, please walk in your nearest STD clinic and undergo a test.
A single incident of unprotected sex can also put you at risk of exposure. If you have had one such incident anytime in life, it is wise to undergo HIV screening and rule out the possibility of an infection.
You need no appointment to undergo a test. Simply walk in any day of the week and also on extended hours.
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]]>The post Worried You Have Contracted Chlamydia? Get Tested At an Urgent Care Center Today appeared first on StdExpressClinic.
]]>Unprotected sex is the most common way in which chlamydia is transmitted. You are also at risk if you do not use a barrier method during oral or anal sex. Even in the absence of penetration, the infection can be transmitted if your genitals have come in touch with the genitals of an infected person.
If a pregnant woman is infected with chlamydia, she can pass on the infection to her newborn during birth. Free chlamydia test in Arlington is therefore included as a part of most pre-natal tests. In rare cases, if the eyes come in contact with the genitals of an infected individual, it can cause chlamydia infection of the eye.
Even if you were infected with the chlamydia bacteria some time in the past and were treated successfully, you can still contract the infection if you practice unprotected sex. Getting tested for STDs/STIs is the only way to be sure you are not infected.
People infected with chlamydia usually remain unaware of the infection due to the general absence of symptoms. This is why it is usually described as the ‘silent infection’. In some rare instances though, people may experience specific symptoms.
With Arlington male chlamydia test, it is easy to detect the presence of the chlamydia bacteria in the penis, anus, or even throat.
Symptoms of chlamydia in women do not appear until weeks after getting infected.
Without timely treatment, chlamydia infection can aggravate into PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) that affects the fallopian tubes and is considered a medical emergency.
When you approach an urgent care clinic for a free chlamydia test in Arlington, your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam if you have symptoms. In the absence of symptoms, you will be guided through a chlamydia test. It involves either urine or swab test. A vaginal swab for women and a swab of the penis area in men may be required for the test. You can swab the area yourself if you prefer it that way.
Most walk in clinics offer test results on the same day. If it turns out positive, you will be advised on the treatment options that include taking antibiotics for about two weeks.
Getting tested and knowing the status of your sexual health takes just a few minutes. Sign up for a free chlamydia test in Arlington today to ensure your long-term health.
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]]>The post Covid 19 – Tips for a Healthy Life appeared first on StdExpressClinic.
]]>This virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose though cough, sneeze, speech, touch, or breath. The liquid particles can range from large droplets to small aerosols. The virus spreads more easily indoors and in crowded settings.
Many of us are still spending a lot of time at home to minimise exposure to this virus. There are vaccination booster shots for people above sixty-five years of age. These boosters increase antibodies that are protective against Covid-19. The Indian government has also started vaccines for children aged between fifteen and eighteen years.
With the surge in the latest Covid virus – Omicron, it is imperative to implement four recommendations: Vaccinate, Test, Ventilate, and Wear Masks.
All countries must assess their risk factors and rapidly implement all necessary measures to reduce the transmission and economic, social, and public impacts of Covid 19.
– Get vaccinated! Vaccines protect not just you but also people around you. Getting a flu shot in addition can be helpful too.
– Wear a mask when indoors with people and in all outside venues, especially in a crowd.
– Washing hands frequently lessons the impact of the virus and also reduces the risk of influenza.
– Staying active is very important in these times. Even though gyms are open now, many people are hesitant to return to them. Well, there are many exercises that can be done easily at home. For instance, aerobics, Push-ups, sit-ups, squats, etc. Lunges are some simple muscle strengthening exercises. Walking briskly around the house, doing gardening, or dancing can help you to stay fit and relaxed at home.
– Taking care of our diet and nutrition is of utmost importance in this pandemic. One must practice self-discipline and avoid binging due to stress. Make a habit of eating wholesome nutritious food instead of fast food and processed snacks.
– Getting adequate sleep is essential to staying healthy and for getting optimum performance. The CDC recommends seven or more hours of sleep every night for all individuals.
– Ensure proper health care maintenance for chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, hypertension, heart conditions, and others by taking all medications as prescribed by your doctor. Tele-health solutions are also available in the Covid age!
– Take time out to care for yourself. Meditation, Yoga, Relaxation and personal care promote overall wellness. Seek counselling in case you need professional help for your mental wellness.
– Staying connected with your loved ones while in isolation can help reduce anxiety and depression.
Following all these steps can help to improve your overall health and wellness, even though these are not going to cure your Covid or even guarantee immunity from contracting it. Getting vaccinated should be your top priority!
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]]>The post How to Undergo STD Checkup When You Feel Too Shy To Consult Doctor appeared first on StdExpressClinic.
]]>The best bet is to walk into the STD clinic near you and talk to a doctor. Do not hesitate in speaking about your fears and sexual behavior. Doctors at such clinics are qualified, compassionate, and non-judgmental. They would suggest the right STD test based on your past and recent sexual activities.
It’s important to be honest so that the doctor can give you correct advice.
STD check-up in Arlington, VA, clinic is a breeze. First, they let you stay anonymous during testing and billing. Second, they don’t keep you waiting. It hardly takes 10 minutes to give a blood or urine sample. Third, they offer testing and treatment on the same day.
You know you are exposed, yet you do nothing about it. You neither consult a doctor, nor discuss with your partner. This won’t treat the infection. Ignoring symptoms is one of the worst mistakes you can make.
Also, due to your silence, your relationship with your partner may get affected. You abstain from sex and he or she would be perplexed by your behavior.
The best thing to do is to visit your nearest STD clinic and ensure your sexual health. In addition, you must talk to your partner. They, too, must undergo a test to make sure they are healthy.
If your partner has an infection, you can get re-infected in spite of complete treatment and cure.
In Arlington, option of at home STD check is available. If you feel uncomfortable walking into the clinic for a test, you can choose to test at home.
You can order an at-home test kit online. Please follow the instructions carefully. Send back the sample on time. In case of any doubt, call the clinic and clarify it.
Millions of people are infected with STDs. It is a pandemic that nobody talks about. Please do not think it cannot happen to you. STDs can happen to anybody who is sexually active.
A couple of effective ways to keep yourself safe is by regular testing and indulging in protected sex.
These are responsible behaviors. They not only keep you healthy, but also ensure the health of your partner and your future offspring. Infected mothers can easily transmit the infection to their developing fetus or to their newborn during vaginal delivery.
So, in a way, undergoing STD testing is one small step towards family health.
STD check-up in Arlington, VA, is available all days of the week and on extended hours. The clinic offers various STD packages. You do not need a doctor’s prescription or prior appointment for a test. Insurance is not mandatory. Step inside the clinic for discreet and dignified STD testing. Be a responsible partner and a parent.
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]]>The post Early Stage HIV Symptoms like Rash: It’s a Warning! appeared first on StdExpressClinic.
]]>This is one of the earliest signs of HIV infection!
Such rash can be painful, quite itchy, and reddish in people with light skin and purplish in people with dark skin.
People with HIV infection experience rash at some point. It can happen during the acute or early stage or in the later stage.
You must not ignore early stage HIV symptoms like rash. Consult a doctor immediately. If you feel shy talking to your family physician, walk in your nearest STD clinic. It is open all days of the week and requires no prior appointment.
According to doctors, rash is a sign that your body is fighting off the virus. Our bodies have a natural defense mechanism. Whenever a pathogen invades the body, the body’s immune system starts fighting. This produces the earliest signs and symptoms in the body.
It is important to pay heed to these signs and consult a doctor urgently. The body is signaling you to do something quickly while it fights on its own.
According to medical experts, ignoring symptoms is akin to disrespecting your body.
The symptoms usually last for a couple of weeks. They are tricky because they are similar to symptoms of cold, flu, allergic reaction, and, in the present situation, the Coronavirus.
This is one of the reasons people do not think of undergoing HIV test. They think they are simply down with flu.
However, a simple test can bring out the truth. In Arlington, HIV screening test is available at the most reasonable rates. Patients can undergo test anonymously.
When experiencing symptoms like rash, you must not wait and watch. It is no harm in undergoing a test and ensuring your sexual health.
If your test results are negative, you can simply relax and visit a dermatologist for the skin problem. Or maybe the rash could be due to some food allergy, medication you are taking, or some other underlying medical cause.
If your test results are positive, your doctor can start you on an appropriate treatment immediately. You will be saved from the horrendous condition called AIDS.
The rash goes away on its own. You think you are safe. This was no HIV infection. You are wrong!
The early stage symptoms of many sexually transmitted infections go away on their own. You won’t see any symptom for a long time. The pathogen becomes dormant.
Then, the pathogen becomes active again. It could be after several months or even years. In case of HIV, the virus can stay dormant for 10-20 years!
In the meantime, the virus inside your body weakens your immune system. You become prone to opportunistic infections. And then starts the downfall of your overall health. This is what doctors call AIDS, the last stage. Don’t let the virus take you to the last stage. Pay attention to early stage HIV symptom like rash now.
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]]>The post Learning from COVID-19 appeared first on StdExpressClinic.
]]>A time will come when COVID-19 will not be so disruptive to life. Experts are saying that COVID may become endemic – which means the virus and its mutations may never disappear from human life.
Amid the ongoing pandemic, it is believed that the society will have to evolve accordingly. For example, people may choose to wear masks most of the time. Also, people may not be expected to work when they are sick, unlike before.
People were forced to adjust to new work schedules, change their exercise routines and cut back on socializing. Also, they started practicing self-care in multiple ways. Many started seeking new strategies to counter the stress and anxiety around them.
We, humans, are fragile and our strength lies in being part of a community. This pandemic has taught us to love, care, respect and help. We continue to learn new things every day. That is what life is all about.
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]]>The post Why You Must Not Miss Chlamydia Screening Test If You Are Sexually Active appeared first on StdExpressClinic.
]]>If you change your sex partners frequently, you must undergo a test every time you have unprotected sex with a new partner.
According to doctors, testing is the only way to know whether you are infected. In Virginia, chlamydia screening test is easily and affordably available at your nearest STD clinic.
Being asymptomatic, you might be carrying the bacterium in your body and not be aware of it. The bacterium can rapidly multiply in your body, creating a host of health complications.
The above complications can lead to quite a lot of suffering (mental and physical) in an individual. For example, not being able to conceive can be mentally traumatic for a couple.
Studies show that 10-16 per cent of untreated infections of chlamydia result in cases of PID.
This is what happens when you do not undergo chlamydia screening.
Chlamydia screening can diagnose and treat the infection in time. It can affectively cut down the duration of the infection. You may not be aware you are infected due to the lack of symptoms. A screening test can help you realize the truth about your sexual health. You can act accordingly and before it is too late.
This one step (screening) can save you and your partner, and maybe your future baby, from serious health complications.
And with free chlamydia test available in Arlington, do you still have an excuse to not undergo a test?
You might say you feel awkward talking to a doctor about STDs or what if somebody knows you were at the clinic for a test.
Here is one way you can save yourself from the embarrassment of the world knowing about your visit to the clinic.
Request the staff to keep your identity confidential. They will do so. STD clinic in Arlington is known for its discretion. It encourages people to walk into the clinic and undergo a test. They know they are not mandated to reveal their true name and identity.
Doctors nowadays prefer NAAT method to detect chlamydia infection. This test is used to catch DNA or RNA of the bacterium.
The test is simple. You need to provide your urine sample. That’s it. In some cases, the doctor may ask you to collect swab or fluid sample from vagina, urethra, rectum, or the eye.
So, walk into the STD clinic in Virginia for chlamydia screening test today. It’s easy and won’t take much of your time or money. Ensure your sexual health. Feel better.
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]]>The post COVID-19 VARIANTS: Myths and facts appeared first on StdExpressClinic.
]]>The alpha, gamma and beta variants are being monitored closely along with the mu variant. Delta and Omicron variants are the present areas of concern. The Delta variant is nearly twice as contagious as earlier variants and might cause severe illnesses. The Omicron variant might spread more easily than other variants, including Delta. It is not yet clear if omicron causes more severe infection and hospitalization.
There are many myths attached with the spread of these variants, particularly related to vaccines and their protection against Covid -19.
FACT: Anyone can get COVID-19, regardless of the money you have. It has affected people of all backgrounds, races, ages, and statuses.
FACT: Anyone can get COVID-19, including young people – especially if they have low immunity and underlying health conditions like diabetes, obesity, blood pressure or cancer. However, COVID-19 can be more dangerous for older people.
FACT: Most peoplewith COVID-19 willhave a mild form of this illness. They can easily recover at home without any hospitalization. Only in cases of difficulty in breathing, persistent chest pain, or loss of speech or mobility should you call a doctor or go to a hospital.
FACT: The COVID-19 vaccines in use currently have been through a rigorous testing and approval procedure to ensure that they are safe and effective. Many trials have been done, including on people suffering from HIV, and the results show that these vaccines are very safe to use.
FACT: Although trials were done with the anti- malarial drug, hydroxychloroquine, in 2020, no evidence was found that the drug could speed up recovery for people needing a ventilator or those who were dying. There is also no evidence that antiretroviral drugs used in HIV treatment can prevent or treat COVID-19.
FACT: Exposing yourself to the Sun or high temperatures does not prevent or treat COVID-19. Getting out in the sunshine is a good idea though, as this helps your body to produce vitamin D, which is extremely important for your immune system.
FACT: There is no drink that can protect you from coronavirus. Taking paracetamol, drinking lots of liquids and resting well can help you manage the symptoms. Most people who get COVID-19 recover on their own. As there is a lot of misinformation about COVID-19, it is important to check information from a reliable source like the World Health Organization or your government health authority.
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]]>The post Doubtful You Have Chlamydia? A Screening Test Is the Way to Go appeared first on StdExpressClinic.
]]>Awareness is key to preventing the spread of STDs. When people are better informed of their chances of contracting STDs, they will pay more attention to any visible symptoms and be less hesitant about going in for an STD screening.
So, here is all you must know about chlamydia, its causes, symptoms and treatment.
The root cause behind this disease is the bacteria known as chlamydia trachomatis. Although sex education classes and STD awareness campaigns always highlight the importance of adequate protection during sexual intercourse, many people still tend to skip this basic and crucial aspect, thereby exposing themselves to the risk of catching STDs.
The cause of chlamydia is no different. It generally spreads when an affected person engages in unprotected sex – oral, vaginal or anal – with another person. Vaginal fluids or semen from the infected person are responsible for transmitting the bacteria. For this reason, even in the absence of sex, an affected person may transmit the disease if there has been genital contact. If you have been in such situations, it would be wise to take a Virginia Chlamydia screening test at an urgent care clinic in your neighborhood.
Studies show that chlamydia is more prevalent among young women than in men. While many people may be completely asymptomatic or exhibit mild symptoms that may not be taken seriously, others experience noticeable symptoms that include:
Remember that symptoms can differ from one person to another. The only way to be sure is to walk in for Virginia Chlamydia screening testat your nearest urgent care clinic. You only need to provide a urine sample or a swab from your genital area to perform the necessary screening test.
Chlamydia is easy to treat and totally curable. If you test positive, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection. If you follow the treatment plan, you will most likely be free of the disease in a week or so. The healthcare professional may also suggest that you inform your partner/s about your diagnosis so that they too can get tested and seek treatment if necessary.
Remember that choosing not to go in for Arlington chlamydia screening and failing to treat this infection can result in serious health issues in future. It can lead to fertility issues in both men and women. It can also increase the risk of affected women giving birth to stillborn babies. Why risk your health and future when a simple STD test can resolve the disease? Get tested today!
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]]>The post How to Get Tested for STDs & the three Available Tests for HIV appeared first on StdExpressClinic.
]]>If you are alert about symptoms and take appropriate action on time, you can cure the infection at the earliest stage. Only a few STDs are incurable. This includes HIV/AIDS. However, medical science has progressed to the extent that HIV patients can manage the disease and live a quality life.
But all this happens with the first step – testing.
Thanks to urgent care clinics, STD testing is, no longer, an embarrassing task. The staff keeps your identity confidential. Walk in with confidence and ask for a test. You do not need a doctor’s prescription. In case you not sure what test to undergo or are doubtful about the window period of a disease, consult a doctor. Again, you would not need an appointment to see a doctor here.
A test will confirm your sexual health.
If you are negative, rejoice!
If you are positive, get the appropriate treatment and complete the course.
In infections like HIV, the doctor would begin anti-retroviral therapy (ART) that helps to bring the viral load down.
Getting a positive result is not the end of the world. The only thing that matters is catching the infection on time and treating it or starting to manage it. This saves you from a lot of medical trouble later.
HIV tests usually require blood, urine, or oral samples. The following are the three tests available:
Antibody test detects antibodies in your blood or oral sample. When a virus invades your body, your immune system takes down to work and produces antibodies. It is seen that tests that use blood sample drawn from a vein catches antibodies quicker after infection than tests that use blood drawn through finger prick or use an oral fluid sample.
Antigen/antibody test detects both antigens and antibodies. Antigens are foreign matter that induces your immune system to produce antibodies. In case of HIV, p24 antigen is produced before the production of antibodies.
NAT is designed to detect the actual virus in your blood. The doctor would draw your blood from vein for this test. This test can tell the viral load, which means the amount of virus present in your blood. NAT is the quickest of all tests and the costliest. It is used only for high-risk exposure cases, not for routine screening.
In Arlington, get tested for STDs, including HIV, at your nearest STD clinic in a discreet and affordable manner. The clinic is open all days of the week and on holidays.
Remember, if you think you are exposed, be responsible and abstain from sex to prevent the spread of infection.
Undergo a test and confirm your health status. Take treatment, if necessary. This is the smartest thing to do when tackling STDs.
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