December 1^st is World AIDS day, and there’s no better time than the present to stress the importance of AIDS awareness. The first case of AIDS in the US was reported in April of 1980, followed by an epidemic that brought unease to the nation. HIV/AIDS is a terrible virus to live with, because it incessantly weakens the immune system. We’ve come a long way since the first US AIDS case over 30 years ago, but awareness is still an important cause. World AIDS day is also a time to honor the victims of HIV/AIDS and to support their loved ones.

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that can only affect humans. It’s a lot like other viruses, including those that cause the “flu” or the common cold, but with one difference: over time, your immune system can clear viruses out of your body. That isn’t the case with HIV. The human immune system can’t seem to get rid of it, and scientists are still trying to figure out why.

People should get tested for HIV even if they are convinced there’s no way they could have it. It is one of those sneaky viruses, because it can hide for long periods of time in the cells of your body. When it’s not in hiding, it attacks key cells of your immune system. Over time, the HIV virus can destroy so many of those cells that your body won’t be able to fight infections and diseases anymore.

How do you get it?

HIV is found in four specific human body fluids:  blood, semen, breast milk, and rectal/anal mucous. If any of those fluids enters your body, you can become infected with HIV.

Where can you get tested, and how?

An HIV test can be done through a blood test, or by having your urine or saliva tested. The tests are quick and easy (some can be done in 15-20 minutes), and always worth it.

You can ask your healthcare provider for an HIV test. Many medical clinics, substance abuse programs, community health centers, and hospitals offer them too. A great option is to go to a local family planning facility or STD clinic, either of which will often test for HIV (as well as other STDs/STIs) for free, or for a scaled price.

Health insurance and Voluntary Benefits can help!

Whether you need your HIV test covered by insurance, or you’ve been diagnosed with HIV and need to pay for treatment, health insurance and voluntary benefits could help  you. If you find out that you have HIV, there are treatments that can help prevent it from developing into AIDS. It is important to monitor HIV once it has been diagnosed, but it can become very expensive for those who are not insured.

Many young people put off buying insurance benefits because they feel that they are not at risk for many conditions that would render it necessary.  Feel free to call or email us for a free consultation regarding voluntary health benefits.