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Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

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Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Know your status on National HIV Testing Day

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Thursday, June 27, 2024   

There are over a million people living with HIV in the United States and just over 3,400 call Utah home.

Today, on National HIV Testing Day, public health experts want to encourage testing so people can know their status and get the care they need.

A new poll found more than a third of Americans believe sexually transmitted diseases can only be transmitted through sex, which is not totally true. While HIV is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sex, with most cases among men who have sex with men, it can also be passed through the sharing of needles, or from HIV positive pregnant women to infants.

Monique Hitch, deputy director of the Central Branch Division of Community HIV/AIDS Programs for the Health Resources and Services Administration, said information is power.

"So the CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 to 64 should get tested and know their status, and be part of routine care," Hitch explained. "People should get tested more often if they have more than one sexual partner, if they know that the partner they are with does not know their status, and to know sexual history."

She pointed out people with a negative test result can take pre-exposure prophylaxis and use condoms to reduce the risk of getting HIV. Hitch emphasized for those who do test positive, it is important they start antiretroviral therapy treatment as soon as possible to stay healthy.

More information and testing sites can be found at GetTested.CDC.gov.

Hitch added free self-tests are also available. She said all HIV tests have a different window period, meaning if you are tested within a certain time period since your last potential exposure, you could receive a negative result but still have an infection. It means a person could still transmit HIV to other partners, which is why additional testing may be needed.

"There is more opportunity now to know your status and just remember to go out on Thursday, or any other day of the year, to get tested and know your status to provide self-love for yourself," Hitch urged.

Experts said it is important to know if you think you have been exposed to HIV, you can prevent HIV infection by getting on post-exposure prophylaxis within 72 hours of the possible exposure for it to work.

References:  
Treatment CDC 2024

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