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STD/HIV Testing and Counseling
The primary goal of the Preston County Health Department Sexually Transmitted Disease Program is to prevent the spread and resulting effects of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.
What Are STDs?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases are serious, sometimes painful illnesses that can cause damage to the human body. Initially, STDs infect your sexual and reproductive organs and later can destroy other organs. Other STDs such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis can cause general body infections.
Sometimes you can have an STD with no signs or symptoms. Other times, the symptoms go away on their own. Either way, you still will have the STD until you get treated. A few STDs cannot be cured, but most STDs can be cured if you get treated.
How are STDs Spread?
STDs are spread during close, sexual activity and during vaginal, anal and oral sex. Some STDs (HIV and hepatitis B) are also spread by contact with infected blood.
Most STD germs need to live in warm, moist areas. That's why they infect the mouth, rectum and sex organs (vaginal vulva, penis and scrotum).
What To Do If You Think You Have An STD?
If you think you might have an STD, get checked out. Don't just hope the STD will go away. Chances are it won't. The Preston County Health Department tests for and treats STDs. Private doctors also treat STDs. If you don't know where to get help, call your us or a private health care provider for information. All information you give will be private and confidential.
You may feel embarrassed about having an STD, but you must get treatment. That's the only way you will get well. So, no matter how difficult it may be, see a health care professional for treatment.
Most STDs can be treated with antibiotics. Follow your doctor's instructions and be sure to take all of your medicine. You also must tell your sexual partner(s). If they aren't treated, they can spread the STD and they might even reinfect you.
Who To Contact For Help?
The Preston County Health Department offers patients tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis and provide treatment for patients diagnosed with, exposed to or suspected of having these diseases. Services received at the health departments are confidential.
HIV Testing and Counseling
HIV testing provides the most accurate means of determining a persons HIV status. Early diagnosis of HIV infection with referral to medical care and supportive services assures an individual of the best possible outcome. Client-centered HIV counseling and testing helps the client identify and assess their personal risk behavior(s), develop a risk reduction plan and, the opportunity to be tested for HIV infection.
Our STD Clinic is contracted and authorized by the WV Bureau for Public Health HIV/AIDS and STD program to provide without charge, client-centered HIV counseling and testing to any West Virginia resident that meets the established testing guidelines.
Please contact our clinic today for an appointment concerning any STD/HIV testing and counseling services.
