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According to the CDC, everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. However, those who are at higher risk should get tested more frequently. This includes people who have had unprotected sex, have multiple sexual partners, have ever injected drugs, or have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease.
Getting tested for HIV is crucial for both your health and the health of others. Early detection of HIV can lead to early treatment, which can significantly improve your long-term health and lifespan. It can also help prevent the spread of the virus to others. According to the CDC, about 14% of people with HIV in the U.S. don’t know they have it, which means they aren't getting the care they need and can unknowingly spread the virus to others.
Urgent care and walk-in clinics in Meridian, such as Oasis Medical Center & Urgent Care in nearby Eagle, offer HIV testing. These clinics often offer same-day and next-day appointments, which can be booked through Solv's website and mobile app.
Primary care providers, like Primary Health in Boise, also offer HIV testing. They can provide ongoing care and treatment if you test positive for HIV.
There are also community health centers in the area that offer free or low-cost HIV testing. These centers can be a good option for those without insurance or with limited financial resources.
At-home HIV testing kits are also available. These kits allow you to collect a sample at home and send it to a lab for testing. Results are usually available within a few days.
While exact numbers for Meridian are not readily available, Ada County, where Meridian is located, has seen a steady increase in HIV cases over the past decade. This trend mirrors national data, which shows a steady increase in HIV cases across the country. It's important to note that these numbers may not reflect the true prevalence of HIV, as many cases go unreported or undiagnosed.
Risk factors for HIV in Meridian are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, injecting drugs, and being diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease.
In addition to HIV, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and hepatitis are also present in Meridian. The rates of these STDs have also been increasing in recent years, following national trends. As with HIV, testing and early detection are key to managing these diseases and preventing their spread.
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Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should take an HIV test at least once in their lives. Some people are more likely to get HIV and should be tested more regularly. Those who have had sex with an HIV-positive partner, those who inject drugs, sexually active gay men, and those who have unprotected sex are all included. You should get checked every 6-12 months if you have any of these risk factors.
Antibodies created by your body in reaction to the virus are examined in HIV tests. A blood test or a sample of cells obtained from the inside of the cheek can be used to do this. After that, the sample is transported to a lab, where a technician will look for antibodies.
It can take a long time for your body to build enough antibodies for an HIV test to detect the illness if you become sick. It may take 3-12 weeks for your blood to contain adequate antibodies. Even if you have HIV, you could have a negative test result during this time.
Because the sample must be sent to a laboratory for investigation, most HIV test results might take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. On the other hand, some Meridian clinics or doctor's offices may offer rapid HIV testing, which can deliver a diagnosis in as little as 20 minutes. Rapid HIV testing involve a little sample of blood or fluid obtained from the mouth. You'll need a follow-up blood test to confirm the diagnosis if a fast test comes up positive.
A variety of factors influence the cost of an HIV test, including the type of test you receive, the location where you are tested, and whether or not you have health insurance. HIV testing may be provided for free or at a low cost by some clinics or health authorities. If you're a college student, you might be able to get free HIV tests through your school.
The majority of insurance coverage cover HIV testing. The Affordable Care Act mandates that all new health plans provide free HIV testing for those aged 15 to 65. If you have any doubts about what is covered under your individual health plan, you can always call your insurance company or go to their website.
Many Meridian health clinics, doctor's offices, and the health department offer HIV testing. Some pharmacies with on-site clinics may also be able to give HIV testing. Even though some clinics accept walk-in appointments, making an appointment ahead of time will save you time and ensure that you receive your test on the same day.
Yes, Solv offers same-day and next-day HIV testing appointments. We collaborate with thousands of healthcare providers across the country to make it easier for everyone to access the medical assistance they require quickly and conveniently. On our website, you can choose a physician near you and make an appointment right now.
Simply type "HIV test" and your location into our website's search box. You'll find a list of providers and their available appointment times on the next page. Fill out the form to arrange an appointment at a time and location that is convenient for you. Make certain that your appointment is for "HIV testing."
Although there are several home HIV tests available, not all of them are accurate or FDA-approved. For a home test, you'll need a swab from the inside of your mouth or a blood sample taken with a finger pricker. If you get a positive result on a home HIV test, you should see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment.
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