In support of National HIV Testing Day this month, Konza Prairie Community Health will offer walk-in HIV screening tests – with no out-of-pocket cost – for anyone in the community on Thursday, June 26, 8 AM to 5 PM at our Junction City clinic – 361 Grant Avenue in Junction City.
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HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus
If not treated, the virus can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. In the United States, HIV is mainly spread through sex or sharing needles with a person with HIV who has a detectable viral load.
The CDC recommends everyone age 13 to 64 should get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care; more frequently for those at higher-risk of contracting the virus.
According to HIV.gov, it is estimated that 1.2 million people in the U.S. have HIV and 1 in 8 of them don’t know they have the virus.
Many new HIV infections are transmitted by people who don’t know they have it.
Learn the Basics of HIV Prevention
Anyone can be infected with the virus and there are more prevention ways than ever to help protect against HIV. Using strategies such as abstinence, limiting the number of sexual partners, never sharing needles, and using condoms the right way, can lower the risk of HIV infection.
Learn about PrEP
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once-a-day pill that, when taken correctly, can be 99% effective in preventing HIV.
People who use PrEP must commit to taking it as prescribed and seeing their healthcare provider for follow-up appointments.
PrEP is SAFE. Some people experience mild side effects which usually go away over time.
Konza Prairie Community Health Center prescribes PrEP medication for persons who are at risk for HIV. Contact your medical provider to see if PrEP is right for you.
Learn about PEP
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine taken to prevent HIV after a possible exposure.
PEP should be used only in an emergency and must be started within 72 hours after a recent possible exposure to HIV.
Learn about HIV Treatment as Prevention
Although there is no cure for HIV, the virus can be controlled with proper medical treatment. If diagnosed and treated early, a person with HIV can live a long life.
Konza Prairie Community Health Center can provide treatment for persons who are at risk for or are living with HIV.
