World AIDS Day
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 is World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day is an opportunity to bring attention to the HIV epidemic around the world. It was first observed in 1988. We believe that raising awareness, ending stigmas, and taking action can be done on a global scale, but also here at home.
What are HIV and AIDS?
HIV is short for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the infection-fighting cells in the body. It makes your body less able to fight off other infections and diseases. Without proper treatment, HIV can lead to AIDS. AIDS is short for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged by HIV.
Learn more about HIV and AIDS, symptoms, risk factors, and how it is transmitted HERE.
Why are Testing and Treatment Important?
There is no effective cure for HIV. It is a lifelong condition. However, with efficient testing and treatment, HIV does not have to affect your quality of life.
HIV medicine is called ART, or antiretroviral therapy. Taking HIV medicine can:
- Promote lifelong health
- Prevent the transmission of HIV to others
- Extend life expectancy
Because treatment is so vital for HIV care, testing is very important. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Many people are HIV-positive for years before realizing it. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.
To learn more about who should get tested, click HERE.
For more information, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2800 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley