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Services Provided
HIV Prevention program provides counseling, testing and referrals for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
- Testing
Staff members provide free HIV and syphilis tests for clients.
- Education and risk reduction counseling
Staff members work closely with clients to educate and explore ways to reduce the risk of acquiring and/or transmitting HIV.
- Referrals
Staff members provide referrals for clients needing assistance. Referrals include Ryan White case management and social, medical, educational, and other services.
What Is HIV/AIDS?
HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that steadily weakens the body's immune system leaving it unable to fight off infection and disease.
AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a disease caused by HIV that has progressively destroys the immune system. The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of an HIV infection.
How Do You Get HIV?
In the United States, most people get HIV through unprotected sex, including vaginal, anal and oral sex, and through injection drug use. Babies can get HIV from pregnancy, birth or breast feeding. You become infected by contact from blood or other bodily fluids containing the HIV virus. You cannot get HIV from hugging, kissing, toilet seats, phones, insect bites, coughing or sharing silverware or dishes.
Ways to Reduce Your Risk
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. There are many things you can do, however, to prevent HIV.
- Ask your partner if they have gotten an HIV test.
- If you do choose to have sex (anal, oral or vaginal), use a condom.
- Abstain from sexual activity (anal, oral and vaginal sex).
- Limit the number of sex partners.
- If you use drugs, don't share needles.
- If you use drugs, clean your needles and syringes by rinsing them in bleach and water 10 times.
What Do I Do if I Think I Have HIV/AIDS?
You may have HIV and feel fine. The only way to know whether you have HIV is to get tested. In the Brazos Valley you can get a free HIV test at the following locations:
B/CS Community Health Center
3370 South Texas Avenue
Phone: (979) 595-1726
(Next to bus depot, across from KFC)
Free testing hours:
| Wednesday: | 5:30pm - 7:30pm |
| Thursday: | 8:30am - 11:30am |
| | 5:30pm - 7:30pm |
| Friday: | 1:00pm - 4:00pm |
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