Am I At Risk For Getting HIV?
To find out, answer yes or no to these simple statements:
- I have had unprotected sexual intercourse (without a condom).
- I have had unprotected sexual intercourse with someone who uses injection drugs (including steroids or vitamins).
- I have had unprotected sexual intercourse with someone without asking if they are HIV-negative.
- I have had sexual intercourse while drunk or high.
- I have had a sexually transmitted disease.
- I have shared needles to inject drugs.
- I have gotten a tattoo or body piercing at a place that may not properly sterilize their equipment.
If you answered yes to any of the above statements, you may have put yourself at risk for getting HIV. This does not mean that you have HIV. However, you may want to consider taking an HIV antibody test or getting more information.
** Remember: The HIV test checks for the antibodies to the virus, not for the virus itself. It can take up to 6 months after infection for your body to produce these antibodies. If you take an HIV test within 6 months of being infected, you may get a negative result, but still be HIV positive. **
Where Can I Get Tested?
You can get tested confidentially for HIV at your doctor’s office or any medical office. If you are a student at a local university you can go to your student health center and get tested confidentially there. These places will usually charge a small fee.
However, there are also places in your community where you can get tested for FREE. You can choose a confidential or anonymous test at these places :
| Testing is available at the following locations. Please call for available times: |
Peterson Clinic
8 North Cottonwood St.
Woodland
(530) 666-8960
By appointment only |
John H. Jones Clinic
500B Jefferson Blvd, Suite 195
West Sacramento
(916) 403-2970
By appointment only |
|
SANE (Safer Alternatives thru Networking and Education)
(916) 397-2434
Call for times and locations |
|
ROVER (Rural Outreach Vehicle for Education and Risk Reduction)
Contact Jennifer Sanow at (530) 666-8645 |
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| For other testing sites near you, click here. |
What Happens When I Get Tested For HIV?
There are two ways to get tested for HIV. The first way is to have your blood drawn. The second way is with an oral swab. With this method, a small stick is placed against your gums and takes a sample of fluids in your mouth. Both of these tests are available at any of the above listed locations, and both are equally accurate.
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CONFIDENTIAL TESTING
Confidential testing means that your name is attached to your test results. You can get a FREE confidential HIV test at several publicly-funded HIV test sites in Yolo County or at your regular doctor’s office for a small fee. You will receive counseling regarding the test and methods of HIV prevention, have your blood drawn or mouth fluids taken, and return in two weeks for your test result.
If you have a positive test the result it is reported to the county HIV program. This information is kept in strict confidence and is used only for assessing trends in HIV in the county, state and nation. For more information about the HIV reporting law, click here.
ANONYMOUS TESTING
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FREE anonymous testing is available at some locations in Yolo County. Anonymous testing means that you are tested for HIV infection without revealing your name or identity. You are assigned a number, receive counseling regarding the test and methods of prevention of HIV transmission, have your blood drawn or mouth fluids taken, and return in two weeks to receive your test results.
The Yolo County Health Department recommends Confidential Testing over Anonymous Testing.
For information about other resources, please click here.
For questions about HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases, contact: Jason Spitzer or Jennifer Sanow by email or by phone 666-8645.