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Frequently Asked Questions

What is HIV?

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. People who have HIV in their bodies have HIV infection, or HIV.

I am not sure if I have come in contact with the HIV, but I am worried. Should I take the test?

You may want to take the test if you think that you or your sex partner - or someone you may have shared needle drugs with - has taken part in any of the following unsafe practices:

• During sex you have allowed blood, semen or vaginal fluids of your sex partner to enter your body.
• You or your partner have shared needle drugs with each other, or with someone else.
• You or your partner have had vaginal or anal sex with someone without using a condom. Though it is lower in risk, unprotected oral sex has been documented to transmit HIV.

What happens during testing?

At the testing clinic, a counselor explains the test and answers your questions. Then a health care worker will take a little blood from your finger, or take cells from the inside of your cheek with a sample collector.

The sample is sent to a lab, and the results come back in about one week. When you receive your results, counseling is provided to help you understand what the results mean, and learn how to prevent the spread of HIV.

What if my test is positive?

If you are told that your test is positive, this means that your blood carries the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies. This means that you have been infected with the virus, and if you are not careful you can give the virus to other people. HIV causes AIDS. Just because you carry the HIV antibodies does not mean that you will develop AIDS and get sick. It is not possible to say just how the disease will affect you in the years to come. Some people will get AIDS, and some may not get AIDS.

I am HIV positive, what should I do now?

The Center for HIV Prevention and Care helps people maintain and improve their health while coping with the challenges of HIV disease. It is an excellent "first stop" for persons newly testing HIV positive, or who are moving into Sonoma County, and have not not yet linked to a medical provider. Medicare, Medi-Cal and most insurance plans are accepted. A sliding fee scale is available for non-insured persons. The Center can help you organize your medical care and other needed services.

What services are available to me through The Center?

Services available through The Center include:

• Primary medical care for patients and their children
• Case management
• Health education
• Women's health care
• Nutritional counseling
• Psychiatric consultation
• Individual, couples and family counseling
• School immunizations
• Medical provider consultation
• Peer support groups
• Pharmacy consultation
• Medication adherence support
• Prescription drug programs
• Clinical drug trials
• Smoking cessation classes

For more information, visit our HIV Services page.