Disclaimer: This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.
Quick Facts about HIV
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in five people (18.1%) who are infected with HIV are unaware that they are infected.
- Almost half of new infections are transmitted by individuals who do not know they are transmitting the virus.
HIV testing is essential for all sexually active individuals. However, HIV and STI testing is especially important if you do certain things that increase your chances of being exposed to HIV or STIs.
Testing improves the health of people living with HIV and helps to prevent new infections.
Where to get tested in Linn County
The clinic at Linn County Public Health (LCPH) offers HIV testing. Call 319-892-6093 to schedule an appointment.
Services included at LCPH:
- Confidential pre- and post-test counseling
- Rapid HIV testing
- Referral for treatment and counseling services
- Partner notification for positive test results
- PrEP
Who Should Get Tested
The following populations should be screened for HIV infection:
- Adolescents and adults ages 13–65 years
- All people who are sexually active
- All people who use injection drugs
- All pregnant women
HIV Prevention
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of anti-HIV medications to keep HIV negative people from becoming infected. PrEP is approved by the FDA and has been shown to be safe and effective at preventing HIV infection. Daily PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%. Among people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by more than 70%. Your risk of getting HIV from sex can be even lower if you combine PrEP with condoms and other prevention methods.
Call LCPH at 319-892-6093 to schedule an appointment and discover if PrEP is right for you.
