Today (Sunday), is National HIV Testing Day, and officials from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) are using this date to remind at-risk Iowans to get themselves tested. HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, can lead to a life-threatening condition, known as acquired immune deficiency syndrome or AIDS, if left untreated. AIDS was first recognized by doctors in 1981, and at the time, the average life expectancy of a diagnosed patient was less than two years. However, antiviral treatments have advanced to the point where latent virus concentrations drop below detectable levels, which allows HIV-positive patients to live normal or near-normal lives and makes HIV testing more important than ever. Initially, it took up to 12 weeks after an HIV infection to return a positive result, but modern tests can deliver results in as little as 10 days post-acquisition. To find out how you can get tested or for more information about HIV/AIDS, follow the links included below.
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Click HERE to find an HIV testing site near you
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/library/awareness/testingday.html
https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/default.html
