National HIV Testing Day – June 27th, 2022

Greetings readers! 

HIV Testing is Self-care: Taking the test is taking care of yourself. June 27th is National HIV Testing Day and in this blog, we will be discussing HIV and the importance of getting testing if you have been or are currently sexually active. Before we dive in, here are this week’s affirmations:

  • I am open to trying new things that will improve my health. 

  • I have the power to make healthy decisions for my body. 

  • I am a friend to my body. I forgive my body and treat it with the same loving kindness I would like to receive.

National HIV Testing Day is an annual reminder of the importance of getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STDs/STIs), including HIV, for anyone participating in sexual activity. If left untreated, STIs can lead to serious health complications such as infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease, or AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Getting tested is important in diagnosing STIs, as most people who are infected with an STI show no visible symptoms, meaning the only way to know you have an STI, is to get tested.

What are STDs/STIs?

STD/STI stands for sexually transmitted diseases/infections. STIs are passed from person to person through blood, semen, and vaginal/rectal fluids. The primary STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, pubic lice, herpes, HPV (human papillomavirus), hepatitis and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

What is HIV? 

HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is a sexually transmitted infection passed from person to person through unprotected sexual contact and blood. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off illnesses and other infections. HIV cannot be cured, meaning once infected, the virus will never leave the body. However, if someone gets tested and diagnosed with HIV, the virus and the symptoms can be treated. If left untreated, HIV advances to a late-stage called AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency virus. 

How is HIV testing done? 

HIV testing can take as little as 20 minutes or up to a few days to see results depending on the type of test. Testing can be done by your primary care physician, at a clinic, or in the comfort of your own home. HIV testing is done using a small blood sample, often a prick of a finger or an oral swab. 

Where can I find HIV testing near me? 

The Maricopa County STD clinic offers testing for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV between 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. for $20. 

Visit these helpful resources to find testing locations near you:

Here’s how YOU can be a Prevention Partner: 

  • Participate in National HIV Testing Day by getting yourself tested, or be a support for a friend. Find a local testing location by visiting the resources listed above. 

  • Tell a friend, or post about #NationalHIVTestingDay on your social media accounts to share this information with others. 

  • Be a part of ending the stigma surrounding HIV and testing. Use kindness when speaking about HIV, testing, and those who are affected. 

  • Educate yourself on the importance of practicing safer sex and overall healthy habits to protect yourself from STDs, including HIV.