The Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) virus attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and from person to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding/chestfeeding. Many people who are infected with HIV do not show any symptoms for years, which is why it’s important to get tested regularly. At Empower U Community Health Center, we believe that taking care of yourself means getting tested for HIV.
Why HIV Testing is Important for Your Health and Others
Getting tested for HIV is important not only for your own health but also for the health of others around you. If you are infected with HIV and don’t know it, you could unknowingly transmit the virus to others through sexual contact or sharing needles. By getting tested and knowing your status, you can take steps to protect yourself and others from infection.
If you test positive for HIV, early treatment can stop the progression of the disease, allowing you to become undetectable, and prevent complications. You can also take steps to prevent transmission to others by using condoms, not sharing needles, taking PrEP, and getting tested regularly.
How Does HIV Testing Work?
At Empower Community Health Center, we offer several types of HIV tests, including antibody tests, antigen/antibody tests, and nucleic acid tests (NATs). These tests work by detecting antibodies or antigens in your blood that are produced in response to an HIV infection.
Antibody tests are the most common type of test and can detect HIV antibodies in your blood or oral fluid. These tests can take up to 90 days after exposure to detect an infection.
Antigen/antibody tests look for both antigens (a protein on the surface of the virus) and antibodies in your blood. These tests can detect an infection as early as 18-45 days after exposure.
Nucleic acid tests (NATs) look for genetic material from the virus in your blood. These tests are very sensitive and can detect an infection as early as 7-14 days after exposure.
If you’re looking to receive the fastest results possible, Empower Community Health Center offers testing that can detect the presence of HIV in approximately 20 mins. Additionally, these fast tests have a high 99% sensitivity, ensuring you get accurate results as quickly as possible.
Empower U Community Health Center: Helping Improve Community Health One Person at a Time
Empower U Community Health Center believes that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare services regardless of their ability to pay. Our mission is to improve community health one person at a time by providing affordable healthcare services, including HIV testing. We also offer STI testing in Miami (change to primary care services) and behavioral health services in our service area.
Our experienced healthcare professionals provide confidential testing services in a safe and welcoming environment. We offer counseling services before and after testing so that you have all the information you need about prevention, treatment options, and how to protect yourself from future infections.
Take care of yourself by getting tested for HIV today at Empower U Community Health Center.
