Protect yourself
You can visit WA state free condom map at the following link Washington State Condom Map (freecondomswa.com).
FAQ’s: HIV, STI & Covid-19
What’s an STI? A bacteria, virus or parasite that is transmitted through sexual contact. Some STI’s are preventable with vaccines, others are treatable, and some are managed with medication.
What is HIV? HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS.
What is AIDS? AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the most severe phase of HIV infection, categorized by the CD4 cell count dropping below 200 cells/mm, or after the development of certain opportunistic infections.
How are STI’s transmitted? Most STI’s pass from one person to another through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Generally, they are transmitted through an exchange of fluids through mucosal membranes. HPV, Herpes, and Syphilis are transmissible through skin-to-skin contact, and are therefore more difficult to prevent transmission, although condoms and other barriers still help.
How is HIV transmitted? HIV is transmitted through the following body fluids: Blood (including menstrual blood), semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, breast milk.
How often should one get tested for HIV/STI? If an individual is sexually active with multiple or anonymous partners testing should be more frequent for example every 3 to 6 months.
What is U=U? “Undetectable equals untransmittable.” A scientifically backed campaign that essentially states if someone who is HIV+ is taking their antiretroviral medication, and has been consistently for 6 months or longer, the level of HIV virus in their body will be so low that there is virtually no risk of transmitting the HIV to a partner.
What is PEP? Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: an antiretroviral regimen that is taken once or twice a day for 28 days. Though not 100% effective, it can reduce the risk of HIV acquisition by roughly 80%. In the event of a potential HIV exposure, within 72 hours (though, the sooner you start, the better) PEP can be initiated to prevent HIV
What is PrEP? Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis: a once-a-day pill that helps prevent HIV by reducing the risk of becoming infected if a person comes in contact with HIV. Up to 99% effective at reducing the risk of HIV
Internal condoms: Meant to be used internally: for either vaginal or anal sex
External condoms: Meant to be used externally on a penis
Content source: National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
What is COVID-19? Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause illnesses such as the common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). In 2019, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of a disease outbreak that originated in China. The virus is known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease it causes is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
What are the symptoms? Covid -19 has similar symptoms to the flu and the most common symptom is a fever. Some people when infected with COVID -19 may not show symptoms (asymptomatic). If a person is exposed to COVID-19 symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is safer and more dependable way to build immunity to COVID-19 than getting sick with COVID-19.
Stay home if you feel unwell such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
Wash your hands with regular with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Get your vaccine or booster. Vaccines are effective!
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)