HIV

What is HIV?

Human immunodeficiency virus – is a virus that attacks the body immune system. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Should I get tested for HIV?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – recommends everyone aged 13 to 64 should get tested for HIV at least once.

You should get tested at least once a year if you continue to engage in any of the following behaviors:

  • You’re a man who has sex with another man.
  • You’ve had sex with a partner who has HIV.
  • You’ve had more than one partner since your last HIV test.
  • You’ve shared needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs.
  • You’ve exchanged sex for drugs or money.
  • You have another sexually transmitted disease, hepatitis, or tuberculosis.
  • You’ve had sex with anyone who has done anything listed above or with someone whose sexual history you don’t know.
  • If you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant, get tested as early as possible to protect yourself and your baby.
  • Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from testing every 3 to 6 months.

Drug and Alcohol Dangers

The use of drugs and alcohol affects your brain, alters your judgment, and lowers your inhibition. When under the influence of alcohol or drugs you are more likely to make poor decisions that put you at risk for getting or transmitting HIV, such as having sex without a condom, or by sharing needles, and syringes.

Here are some commonly used substances and their link to HIV risk:

  1. Alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption, notably binge drinking, can be an important risk factor for HIV because it is linked to risky sexual behaviors and, among people living with HIV, can hurt treatment outcomes.
  2. Opioids. Opioids, a class of drugs that reduce pain, include both prescription drugs and heroin. They are associated with HIV risk behaviors such as needle sharing when infected and risky sexual behaviors, and have been linked to outbreaks of HIV and viral hepatitis. People who are addicted to opioids are also at risk of turning to other ways to get the drug, including trading sex for drugs or money, which increases HIV risk.
  3. Methamphetamine. “Meth” is linked to risky sexual behaviors, such as having more sexual partners or sex without a condom, that place people at greater risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Meth can be injected, which also increases HIV risk if people share needles and other injection equipment.
  4. Crack cocaine. Crack cocaine is a stimulant that can create a cycle in which people quickly exhaust their resources and may engage in behaviors to obtain the drug that increase their HV risk.
  5. Inhalants. Use of amyl nitrite (“poppers”) has long been linked to risky sexual behaviors, illegal drug use, and sexually transmitted diseases among gay and bisexual men.

Interested in a free and confidential screening?

Interested in receiving a free and confidential HIV screening and testing? Please call (843) 719-3018.

If you are interested in the medication PrEP, please contact us. 

The Kennedy Center is a referring agent for the Roper-St. Francis Ryan White Program PrEP Program. 

MONCKS CORNER OFFICE
306 Airport Drive
Moncks Corner, SC 29461
(843) 761-8272
(843) 577-9181
Fax: (843) 719-3025

GOOSE CREEK OFFICE
96 Wisteria Road
Goose Creek, SC 29445
(843) 797-7871
Fax: (843) 797-8638

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