In observance of World AIDS Day Tuesday, Dec. 1, the Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health (BBPH) is urging all North Dakotans to know their HIV status.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested at least once as part of routine health care to know their HIV status.
“World AIDS day is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the impact the disease has on people, families and communities,” VanderBusch said. “If you do not know if you are infected with HIV, you could be spreading it to others. Finding out early can help you live a longer, healthier life. People need to know how to keep themselves from becoming infected with HIV so we can reduce the spread of this disease in our communities and protect the people we love. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.”
Approximately 500 individuals are currently living with HIV/AIDS in North Dakota. Newly reported cases continue to increase annually in North Dakota and 28 cases have been reported to the state thus far in 2015, which is a 12 percent increase from the previous year. Over 1.2 million people in the United States are HIV-positive and it is estimated that one in eight individuals who are infected with HIV are unaware of their infection.
Free HIV testing is available at test sites throughout the state, and results are available in 20 minutes. The test sites are staffed by trained personnel who offer confidential HIV testing, counseling, and referrals to those at risk. Individuals at increased risk, such as those who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, and those who have multiple sex partners with limited condom use should be tested at least annually for HIV.
Choosing less risky sexual behaviors will reduce your risk of acquiring HIV. Condoms should be used consistently and correctly. Reducing the number of people you have sex with can also reduce your risk of getting HIV. Get tested for HIV and other STDs and encourage your partners to do the same.
For additional information about HIV testing and other HIV/AIDS services, call Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health at (701) 355-1540 to schedule an appointment or visit the program’s website at www.ndhealth.gov/hiv.