HopeHealth stresses importance of HIV testing

Credit: STEFFANI NOLTE/MORNING NEWS

A patient swabs their mouth for the Rapid Oral HIV Test, an alternative way to be tested for HIV with out a needle stick, at Florence-Darlington Technical College's Cosmetology School.

By: Steffani Nolte | SCNOW
Published: June 28, 2011

FLORENCE --

As of Dec. 31, 2009, in the Pee Dee, there were 2,258 reported cases of HIV, 1,431 reported cases of AIDS and 718 people died of HIV/AIDS.

In Florence County alone as of December 2009, there were 1,061 HIV cases, 613 AIDS cases and 304 deaths.

In observance of National HIV Testing Day, June 27, HopeHealth offered a free HIV screening center at Florence-Darlington Technical College’s Cosmetology Center. Pamela Brantley, HopeHealth health educator, said it’s important to be tested for HIV because signs and symptoms can be dormant in the body for 10 years.

“HIV really should be a part of your yearly evaluation. If you’re going in to get a physical I think you should ask about HIV. Your doctor can decide whether or not you should be tested,” Brantley said.

There are several HIV tests available, including an oral swab test and a blood test. The Rapid Oral HIV Test, the test HopeHealth was using during its free screenings, is an alternative HIV test for people who don’t like needles or who are looking for quick results.

Some reasons to get tested:

Following up on a previous HIV test
Having sex with multiple partners
Being diagnosed or treated for a sexually-transmitted disease, hepatitis or tuberculosis
Being told person has an infection related to a weak immune system
Injected drugs or shared equipment (eg. syringes, cotton, water)
Having sex or been with a partner who has had sex with men and women
Having sex with people of unknown HIV status
Having a tattoo, ear/body piercing or accidental needle stick
Ever having sex with a transgendered person
Having a fever or illness of unknown cause
Exchanging sex and drugs for money
Never tested for HIV and don’t know status
Having sex with HIV positive partner/spouse

HopeHealth is conducting free HIV screenings at different sites around the community this week. For more information about the sites, call (843) 656-0361 or you can walk into the HopeHealth clinic for testing. To find the testing site nearest you, visit http://hivtest.org/.