HIV is a virus that weakens the body’s ability to fight off illnesses and can lead to AIDS. Some people develop flu-like symptoms 2 to 4 weeks after HIV infection, but most people don’t have any symptoms for many years and may not realize they have HIV. That’s why testing is so important – it's the only way to know your HIV status for certain.
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.
We’ll take blood from your finger and give you your results during your visit. Results are confidential.
There’s a window period of three months for a rapid test. That means even if someone has HIV, it may not show up on this test for up to three months after they were exposed to HIV. Our staff can make testing recommendations based on your situation.
If you are concerned about a sexual encounter that took place in the last three days (72 hours), ask us about PEP.
For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 612-543-5555.
HIV usually spreads during anal or vaginal sex or from sharing needles, cookers, or cottons.
Only certain body fluids can spread HIV:
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is an HIV prevention medication. People who are HIV negative can take PrEP to reduce their risk of getting HIV.
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV in the past 72 hours (3 days), you have options. PEP is a medication that can help prevent HIV if started within 72 hours after exposure.
Walk in or call us to be seen same-day. The sooner you can come in, the better. Let us know that you may have been exposed to HIV.
If you need help but our clinic is closed, reach out to your primary care doctor or contact another provider who can help you sooner.
Some people who are HIV positive and on treatment are undetectable, which means their virus level is so low that they cannot transmit HIV to others.
This is called undetectable = untransmittable, or U = U.
To date, there've been no cases of transmission among people who are undetectable.
We connect people living with HIV to medical care, including people who:
We can:
For HIV-related consultation and referrals, call us at 612-543-5555.
Pregnant people who are living with HIV can spread the infection to their unborn babies, or during childbirth or breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
Consult your pregnancy health care provider for guidance. If you don’t have a provider, call the United Way for a referral at 651-291-0211 or call 211 from a land line.