Free HIV Testing Day offered by health department

In recognition of National HIV Testing Day, the McHenry County Department of Health will offer free HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, testing by appointment during the week of June 22-26. Regular testing empowers those infected with HIV to learn their status, be linked to lifesaving treatment and care, and prevent the spread of HIV to others.

It is recommended that all people receive at least one lifetime HIV test, and that those at increased risk be tested regularly. People at increased risk for HIV include men who have sex with other men, those with a history of injection drug use, and people with multiple sex partners or risky sex partners. For more information about this national event, visit www.cdc.gov/Features/HIVtesting/index.html.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States, but 1 in 7 people do not know they are infected. Only one in four people living with HIV take medications regularly and have the virus under control. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, as of Jan. 31, 2014, there were 123 people living with HIV in McHenry County, 70 of whom have advanced to AIDS.

MCDH also offers comprehensive STD testing by appointment only. People at greatest risk for STDs include women under 25, those who have unprotected sex with a new partner or multiple partners, and those with a partner who recently tested positive for an STD. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call MCDH at (815) 334-4500.