KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Early HIV diagnosis is critical because people who are infected can benefit from live-saving treatments and take steps to protect their partners, yet approximately 1,200 people in King County currently have HIV but do not know it.
“Finding out whether you are infected with HIV is the first step to improving your health and protecting your loved ones,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. “Everybody between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV as part of routine medical care.”
This year’s theme for National HIV Testing Day on June 27 is “Take the test. Take control.” Testing is especially important for at-risk populations, including men who have sex with men and injection drug users. Others who have higher rates and should more actively seek testing are native- and foreign-born blacks and Latinos.
“All persons who have experienced any sexual or other behavior that put them at risk for HIV should know their status and ask for a test at their next visit with a health care provider,” said Dr. Bob Wood, Director of HIV/AIDS Control for Public Health - Seattle & King County.
Persons aware of their HIV infection can obtain health care and may be prescribed medications to keep themselves well for years. They also can take important steps to avoid passing the infection to others.
Testing options
HIV testing usually involves a simple blood draw, but can now be done in a variety of ways, including rapid testing using a finger stick drop of blood.
For information about HIV testing or to make an appointment, call Public Health's HIV/STD Hotline at 206-205-7837 or 800-678-1595 (open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday).
The City of Seattle and King County, with support from the King County Board of Health, have recently added additional resources to increase local counseling and testing options. Anonymous and confidential HIV testing started in 1985, and has expanded, particularly for gay and bisexual men, injection drug users and people of color. In addition to the STD Clinic at Harborview Medical Center and other Public Health clinics, Public Health staff provides HIV counseling and testing at local correctional facilities, community partner sites and other outreach venues.
