Hepatitis C is primarily spread through contact with the blood of an infected person. The most common ways that hepatitis C is spread include:
It’s important to note that hepatitis C is not spread through casual contact such as hugging, sharing food or drinks, or using the same restrooms. It is important to test for Hepatitis C and get medical treatment if needed to prevent the virus from progressing to chronic infection.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken daily that can help prevent the contraction of HIV. It works by blocking the virus from entering and infecting cells in the body. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV.
While missing doses of PrEP can decrease its effectiveness in preventing HIV infection, it still has some level of protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that even if someone misses several doses, the medication still provides some level of protection against HIV.
It’s important to note that if you miss doses of PrEP or stop taking it altogether, your risk of contracting HIV increases. For maximum protection, it’s recommended to take PrEP consistently and as prescribed. To ensure that you continue to receive the protection you need, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about strategies to help you stay on track with your PrEP regimen. At LifeLine Health, we can help.
It’s also worth to note that taking PrEP alone may not protect against other sexually transmitted infections and other protective measures such as regular testing, barrier methods, and practicing safer sex should be used in conjunction with PrEP.
There are several ways to prevent the contraction and spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs):
1. Abstinence: Avoiding sexual contact altogether is the most effective way to prevent STDs. 2. Condom use: Consistently and correctly using condoms during sexual activity can greatly reduce the risk of contracting STDs. 3. Regular testing: Getting tested for STDs on a regular basis and discussing your sexual health with your partner(s) is important to ensure early detection and treatment. 4. Vaccinations: Getting vaccinated for certain STDs such as HPV and Hepatitis B can help prevent their contraction. 5. Limiting the number of sexual partners: Having fewer sexual partners decreases the risk of contracting an STD. 6. PrEP: for HIV, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken daily that can help prevent the contraction of HIV 7. PEP: for HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication that can be taken after possible exposure to HIV to prevent infection. 8. Get treated if you do have an STD. Many STDs can be treated and cured, which helps prevent their spread.
It’s important to remember that STDs can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated, and it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your partners. If you have any concerns or questions about your sexual health, please contact LifeLine Health today.
HIV testing is an important step in identifying HIV infections and starting treatment. HIV tests detect antibodies or antigens produced by the body in response to an HIV infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested at least once as part of routine health care, and those who have a high risk for HIV, such as people who have multiple sexual partners or inject drugs, should be tested more frequently.It’s important to be aware that HIV tests only detect antibodies or antigens for the virus. Therefore, there is a window period, between the time of infection and when the test can detect it, that may vary from person to person. Therefore, it’s important to get retested after a potential exposure if a test taken during the window period is negative. LifeLine Health can help you if you believe you were exposed to HIV.
At LifeLine Health, we are committed to stopping the spread of HIV with modern treatment plans to those in need.
Treatment for HIV, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), can suppress the virus and allow people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives. ART works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, which allows the immune system to repair itself and maintain a healthy immune response. The goal of treatment is to achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load, which greatly reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others.
ART is typically a combination of drugs, taken as a single daily pill, known as a “cocktail” or “regimen.” The specific combination of drugs prescribed will depend on an individual’s viral load, CD4 count, and other factors. It’s important to start ART as soon as possible after being diagnosed with HIV, even if symptoms are not yet present. Early initiation of ART can prevent HIV-related illnesses and also reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others.
ART is a lifelong treatment, and it’s important to take the medication as prescribed and to attend regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider to monitor treatment response and manage any side effects. Adherence to the regimen is key to achieve optimal results. It’s also important to keep in mind that ART may not completely cure HIV, but it can control the virus to undetectable levels, prevent HIV-related illnesses, and promote a long and healthy life.
I am thankful to the nice people at Lifeline Health. I was so scared when I found out I had been exposed. They guided me and made me feel so at ease. I have not had an issues and I know it's because I went to Lifeline Health first.
Thankfully there are places like Lifeline Health to get tested. This place is lowering the risk for our community by educating us and providing the resources to stay healthy. They are making positive changes in the community.
Connect with a Lifeline Health staff member in-person at your local health center to receive the care you need. You can conveniently make an appointment online to get started.
Thanks for the payment. Your test results will be sent to cristina@gmail.com within a few days.
