We offer free HIV and Hepatitis C Testing
By appointment only during COVID-19 precautions.
Confidential & open to all: No ID, insurance, or documentation required.
Results in about 20 Minutes.
To set up your appointment, leave us a message at (530) 893-3336 or email us at center@stonewallchico.org.
HIV
Know your risk:
Only 6 body fluids can transmit HIV: blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
How the test works:
The OraQuick HIV Rapid Antibody Test looks for HIV antibodies. If someone is infected with HIV, their body will produce enough antibodies to be detected by the OraQuick test in about 3 months.
Testing procedure:
The HIV test involves swabbing your mouth for an oral fluid sample. If you opt for the HIV test with a Hepatitis C test, a finger poke for a blood sample will be used.
Results are available in 20 minutes. Your test counselor can talk with you about actions you can take to prevent HIV including PrEP a pre-exposure medication.
Treatment:
There are treatment plans for managing HIV that can keep you healthy and decrease the risk of transmission, or progression. By taking a combination of medicine every day, and working with your doctor to follow the plan made for you, you can stay healthy.
For more information on PrEP and prevention please visit:
· https://cdc.gov/hiv/risk/prep/index.html
· https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv-aids/factsheets/20/48/thebasics-of-prevention
Hepatitis C
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It is spread by direct blood contact and through sexual intercourse. Chronic Hepatitis C can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, and cancer.
How the test works:
The OraQuick Rapid Antibody Test looks for anibodies just like the HIV test.
Testing procedure:
The Hepatitis C test requires a finger poke to obtain a blood sample to test for antibodies. The results are available in 20 minutes.
Treatment:
There is a cure for Hepatitis C which requires antiviral medication for 8-24 weeks
Who’s most at risk:
Baby boomers born from 1945-1965 are five times as likely to have Hepatits C than other adults, men who have sex with men are at risk of sexual transmission of Heptatitis C, and injection drug users.
Preventing Hepatitis C:
Using latex condoms can reduce the risk of acquiring the virus. Never share personal items that could contain blood such as razors, toothbrush, needles or other injection drug materials.