June 26, 2008 -- Test for HIV to Help Prevent Spread of Virus

Hayden, ID — Panhandle Health District (PHD) urges northern Idaho residents to take 15 minutes this summer for a Rapid HIV test that could provide peace of mind or enable them to start medications before the AIDS-causing virus gains strength.

June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. PHD offers tests that provide results in as little as 15 minutes and cost from $35 to $55, depending on a client’s income.

“The earlier you find out you are HIV positive, the earlier you start medications and the healthier your life can be,” says Donna Marshall-Holden, who coordinates PHD’s sexually transmitted disease and HIV program.

HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the immune system that enables our bodies to fight infections. AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is the final stage of HIV infection. At the end of 2007, Idaho had 1,497 residents living with HIV. Of those, 184 lived in the five northern counties.

HIV spreads through contact with the blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk of an infected person. Unprotected sex with an untested partner places a person at high risk of HIV exposure. Sharing syringes and needles can expose a person to blood infected with HIV. Infected women can pass the virus to their babies during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

A long-term, mutually monogamous sexual relationship with a tested partner is the best prevention to HIV exposure. Latex condoms and not sharing syringes and needles also offer some protection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 1 million people in the United States are living with HIV/AIDS. About 25 percent of those people are unaware of the infection, which is a risk to them and others.

HIV symptoms often aren’t apparent for many years after the infection. Testing is the only way to know about an infection for certain. The rapid HIV test is similar to a pregnancy test, using blood instead of urine.

Last year, PHD tested 248 people for HIV. In the first five months of 2008, PHD has given 126 tests. The low numbers concern Marshall-Holden.

“More people should get tested,” she says. “It’s part of making sure you’re healthy. And you certainly want to protect your partner.”

Once an appointment at PHD is made, the testing process takes about 30 minutes from check-in to results. If results are positive for HIV, Marshall-Holden will draw blood to confirm the results. PHD will provide resources to patients with positive tests and refer them to the North Idaho AIDS Coalition for case management.

For an appointment to test at PHD, call 415-5270.

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