Every year 40,000 persons are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Today there are 800,000 to 900,000 persons living with HIV in the United States. Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas is offering free HIV testing on June 27, 2002 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the clinic on Fannin.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted in blood, semen, breast milk, and vaginal fluids. It is commonly spread through unprotected sexual intercourse or by sharing needles or syringes with someone who has the virus. Simple casual contact such as kissing, sharing water glasses or hugging does not transmit HIV. AIDS is the last stage of HIV and is fatal.
Everyone who suspects they have been exposed to HIV should be tested because there may be no symptoms for years, states Peter Durkin, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas. As many as one in three people with HIV do not know they are infected.
The Planned Parenthood Clinic on Fannin will test everyone who walks in from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Everyone arriving before 6:00 p.m. will be given a free, confidential HIV test. Test results will be ready in two weeks and will only be shared in person at the Fannin Health Center.
For more information, contact: Cris Perez, 713-831-6525, cris.perez@ppfa.org or Tern Larson, 713-831-6573, terni.larson@ppfo .org
