Promote Health. Protect Life. Prevent Illness.
1142 S. Van Dyke Rd.
Bad Axe, MI 48413
Phone: 989-269-9721
What is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that causes AIDS. This virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. Most of these people will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. An HIV-infected person receives a diagnosis of AIDS after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses. An HIV-positive person who has not had any serious illnesses also can receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis of certain blood tests.
Options to Prevent AIDS
PrEP
Are you HIV-negative but at very high risk for HIV with high risk behaviors? Taken every day, PrEP can help keep you free from HIV. Check out the CDC Fact Sheet on PrEP
If you may have been exposed to HIV* in the last 72 hours, talk to your health care provider, an emergency room doctor, or your local health department about PEP right away. PEP can reduce your chance of becoming HIV-positive.
Abstinence
The only 100% sure way to prevent getting HIV/AIDS is by abstaining from sexual intercourse and from sharing needles.
Condoms
Using a condom consistently and correctly can help protect you from HIV/AIDS. Also avoiding contact with blood and using clean sterile needles for drug injections will decrease your chances of getting HIV/AIDS exposure.
HIV/AIDS Testing
The Huron County Health Department offers free, anonymous and confidential testing and counseling with same day results with rapid testing. Call (989) 269-9721 ext. 184 for an appointment.
