HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks critical cells designed to fight infections. Therefore, a person with HIV does not have a functioning immune system to fight diseases. Although there is no cure, there are ways to effectively treat HIV that can reduce the amount of the virus in the blood. People with HIV can live long healthy lives.
In 2021 over 36,136 people were diagnosed with HIV in the United States. It is estimated 1.2 million people in the US had HIV at the end of 2021. Of those people, only 87% knew they had been infected.
It’s imperative to know if you have the virus so you can begin treatments as soon as possible. Fortunately, FCHC offers HIV testing and treatments.
HIV Testing
Patients can get a quick and relatively painless HIV test at either of our locations. Patients can call our dedicated appointment line at 314-83-4CARE (2273) to make an appointment. At the appointment, patients will have blood drawn and the results will be back in a few days.
HIV Prevention
Patients of FCHC are able to take advantage of prescription drugs shown to reduce to risk of getting HIV. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine that reduces your chances of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV.
Talk with your Family Care Health Centers provider to discuss PrEP options. There are two different forms, pill and shot. You and your doctor can discuss which is the most appropriate form for you.
The CDC website has valuable information about preventing the spread of HIV.