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HIV, Hep C and Syphilis
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus):
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HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) weakens a person’s immune system by destroying cells used to fight disease and infection.
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HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids, including semen, vaginal fluid, anal fluid, breastmilk and blood.
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While there is no cure for HIV, it can be controlled with proper medications. HIV becomes undetectable by using medications to reduce the amount of virus in someone’s blood (viral load). When HIV’s viral load is low it can be no longer transmitted.
Learn more about HIV.
Hep C (hepatitis C, HCV):
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Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
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Hep C is transmitted through contact with blood from an infected person.
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Hep C is curable with antiviral medication intended to clear the virus from the body. However, one in four people clear the virus with no treatment at all.
Learn more about hep C.
Syphilis:
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Syphilis is caused by bacteria.
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Anyone can get syphilis.
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It is transmitted through sexual contact, or from a pregnant person to child during pregnancy/childbirth.
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Syphilis can be CURED with antibiotics.
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If you test positive for syphilis, it does not mean you are immune.
Testing, Treatment and Prevention Options:
We offer free, confidential and nonjudgmental HIV, hep C and syphilis testing. Knowing your status can help decrease the spread of disease, and give you power and control over your health. We also offer a variety of prevention tools, and if needed we can help connect individuals to accessible, stigma-free medical care.
The JCPH sexual health clinic offers a variety of services including HIV prevention options like PrEP and PEP, full panel sexual health testing and treatment for STIs (including syphilis).
Please note: if you already know you are living with HIV or HCV and need help finding HIV or HCV treatment or support services, you can talk to a Points West team member for help with referrals and resources by calling 720-434-7221.