World AIDS Day – December 1

More than 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, but one out of every five of them doesn’t know it.  World AIDS Day (December 1) is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died.

In recognition of World AIDS Day, the Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County Health Departments will offer free HIV testing on December 2. This will be available at Health Centers located in Buford, Conyers, Covington, Lawrenceville and Norcross. Click here for hours and directions.

HIV testing is a critical part of stopping the spread of the virus and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says testing should be a part of routine health care. A panel of doctors and scientists recently recommended that all Americans between age 15 and 65 get tested for HIV, regardless of their risk of infection. HIV testing would help increase detection and decrease the stigma associated with HIV and being tested, according to the panel. HIV testing during pregnancy also is important because antiviral therapy can improve the mother’s health and greatly lower the chance that an HIV-infected pregnant woman will pass HIV to her infant before, during or after birth.

Proper medical care and treatment help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives and can reduce the chances of passing HIV to others.  People who test negative for HIV can take steps to stay negative by not having unprotected sex or engaging in other risky behavior like needle sharing.

More resources for HIV testing are available here:  http://hivtest.cdc.gov/