WHAT IS HIV

WHAT IS HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that can cause Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There is still no cure for HIV or AIDS, but there are treatments that allow people who acquired the virus to live longer, healthier lives.

How is HIV Spread?

  • HIV is spread through body fluids, such as blood, semen (sperm),
    vagina fluids, and breast milk.
  • HIV is spread from one person to another by:
  • Having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) without a condom or dental dam with a person who acquired HIV.
  • Sharing needles with a person who acquired HIV.
  • Through pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding if the mother has acquired HIV, she can pass it on to the baby or fetus.
  • Receive a transfusion of blood from a person with HIV (this is uncommon in the United States).

HERE ARE ADDITIONAL STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREVENT ACQUIRING HIV

  • Use latex condom with water based lubricant every time you have vaginal or anal sex
  • When you have oral sex, use a condom or a Dental dam (a rectangular latex sheet that is put over the vagina)
  • If you share sex toys with your partner, use a condom and clean the toys after each use
  • Limit your number of sexual partners
  • Do not inject drugs or share needles with anyone
  • If you have more than one sexual partner, get regularly tested for HIV

HIV TESTING
GET FREE TESTING FOR HIV

The only way to know if you have HIV is by getting tested. Know your status. You could acquire it and feel healthy. You can get tested for HIV at a doctor’s office, in a clinic, or health center. There are different types of tests for HIV. Some of them can be done through a blood sample and others can be done with a sample of saliva from the mouth.

  • Rapid response test are ready in between 10-20 minutes
  • Lab results test may take a few days

If the results are positive, you will need a second confirmatory HIV test done. We will help you with advice and counseling to get all the help you need to fight and live with HIV.

OUTREACH

You will see us at the following events throughout the community conducting free
HIV testing, distributing condoms, and much more:
  • Filipino Festival
  • Asian Fest Global Village
  • Bollywood Musical Evening
  • Chinese Festival
  • Pride
  • Myanmar Union Celebration Day

Be on the lookout for our new Mobile Clinic to come to a community near you for HIV testing! We have English and Spanish speaking providers at the Clinic Tuesdays and Fridays. If you would like us to conduct free testing at your event, business, or community fair, please contact us here.

EDUCATION & COUNSELING

If you want more information on how to prevent HIV, ask us here or come to one of our clinics where you
can get an HIV test for free and we can give you advice if:

  • You are concerned you may acquire HIV
  • You already acquire HIV and are concerned about spreading it to other people
  • Want advice on how to talk to your partner about sexually transmitted diseases

NAVIGATION

From testing to prevention and treatment; we are here to increase your understanding and access to PrEP.
We are here to help you through your continuum of care.

PrEP Assessment

Answer a few short questions to determine if PrEP is right for you.

START NOW

Get Tested & Start PrEP

PrEP is a once-daily pill that can reduce your chances of contracting HIV by 90%. Schedule an appointment for a free HIV test and evaluation to see if you are eligible for PrEP.

SCHEDULE NOW

HRSA Statement

Shalom Health Care Center, Inc. receives federal funding from Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and has Federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health

or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals.

Shalom’s Primary Care Site(s) are supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number H80CS00880 – Community Health Center Programs and 15% percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. This information is provided by Shalom Health care Center, Inc. It should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.”