June 26 was National HIV Testing Day, a day to encourage people of all ages to get tested for HIV and know their status. Many people don’t know that they are living with HIV until it’s too late. There are many reasons why people don’t get tested. Some feel it is not important, like an eye exam, annual physical or a trip to the dentist. Many say they are in a committed relationship, so there is no need. However, testing is of extreme importance to one’s health.

Regardless of where a person stands, he should make the effort to get tested. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. HIV can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender or age. It is important to take the step to get tested because if a person does have HIV, getting medical care and taking medicines regularly helps one live a longer and healthier life. Knowing also lowers the chances of passing HIV on to others. Risk factors for HIV infection include having unprotected sex with someone who is HIV-positive or whose HIV status is unknown, having sex with more than one partner and injecting drugs and sharing needles, syringes or other drug equipment.

If a person is sexually active, getting tested for HIV is one of the most important things he can do to protect his health. Also, a person should have an open and honest conversation about sexual history with a doctor. When testing for HIV, it is important to understand the latency period, which is when a person can test negative but can still have HIV. CDC recommends that people take their first HIV test followed by another test within 90 days to confirm. Before having sex, talk with your partner and get tested together.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends being tested at least once a year if a person is at risk for HIV infection. The most common myth is people will not survive with HIV. The fact is HIV can be preventable, and people can reduce or eliminate morbidity with early detection that can lead to early treatment and better outcomes. Many people with HIV will live long, normal lives with early detection and proper care, due to the advancements in HIV treatment.

Here at the Beaufort County Public Health Department, we are offering a new service called TIP (Testing is Power). TIP offers testing to the community to help individuals receive free testing for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C (in specific cases). Upon results, BCHD will help with follow-ups and referrals to local providers. Our goal is to create an environment where people in the community feel comfortable getting tested.

Testing early for HIV can reduce the anxiety of not knowing. Whether test results are negative or positive, it is always better to know. Our testing program has the chance to have a huge impact in the community by providing this new free service. The risk is in not knowing! We are here to make sure that everyone is able to receive testing. The Beaufort County Public Health Department is introducing TIP in addition to its traditional testing services.

Kimberly Matthews, MPH, is a public health education specialist with Beaufort County Health Department and can be reached at 252-940-6521. If your organization would like to set up a testing event, please feel free to contact Kimberly.