Dec. 1 was World AIDs Day, a day that was founded in 1988 and the first named global health day. World AIDs Day brings worldwide unity in the fight against HIV, to show support to those living with HIV and to remember those who lost their lives from an AIDs-related illness.

Regardless of one’s age, gender or race, everyone should make the effort to get tested. The Center for Disease Control recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 years old 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 make 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 chance 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 they can do to protect their health. Also, a person should have an open and honest conversation about his sexual history with his doctor. When testing for HIV, it is important to understand the latency period, which is the period of time when a person can test negative but still have HIV. CDC recommends that people take their first HIV test followed by another test within 90 days to confirm results. Before having sex, talk with your partner and get tested together.

The CDC 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, which can lead to early treatment and better outcomes. Due to the advancements in HIV treatment, many people with HIV will live long, normal lives with early detection and proper care.

Here at the Beaufort County Public Health Department, we are offering a new service call 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, Beaufort County Health Department will help with follow-ups and referrals to local providers. The 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.

Brittany Joseph is the TIP coordinator at Beaufort County Public Health Department. If you or your organization would like to set up a testing event or find out more information, she can be contacted at 252-940-6521 or Brittany.joseph@bchd.net.