Muhlenberg County Health Department STD/HIV Information

The primary goal of the Kentucky Sexually Transmitted Disease/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Counseling and Testing (STD/HIVCT) program is to prevent the spread and resulting effects of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.

The Muhlenberg County Health Department offer patients tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Hepatitis C and Syphilis and provide treatment for patients diagnosed with, exposed to or suspected of having these diseases. Services received are confidential. A service fee may be charged. Patients with other STD infections will receive counseling about the infection and probably will be referred to a health care provider who can test for and treat these diseases.

Call 270-754-3200 for an appointment to be tested for HIV and to receive STD services.

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which is the virus that causes HIV infection. The abbreviation “HIV” can refer to the virus and or to HIV infection. HIV attacks and destroys the infection-fighting CD4 cells of the immune system. Loss of CD4 cells makes it difficult for the body to fight infections and certain cancers.

Without treatment, HIV gradually destroys the immune system and advances to AIDS. HIV is the virus that causes HIV infection. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. HIV is spread through contact with the blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, or breast milk of a person infected with HIV.

In the United States, HIV is spread mainly by having anal or vaginal sex or sharing drug injection equipment with a person infected with HIV. The use of HIV medicines to treat HIV infection is called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines (called an HIV regimen) every day. ART can’t cure HIV infection, but it can help people infected with HIV live longer, healthier lives. HIV medicines can also reduce the risk of transmission of HIV.

The Muhlenberg County Health Departments offers HIV counseling and testing. Patients can choose to be tested confidentially or anonymously. It is necessary to call for an appointment to be tested for HIV. Please call 270-754-3200.

 

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are passed from one person to another through intimate physical contact – such as heavy petting – and from sexual activity including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. STDs are very common.

In fact, CDC estimates 20 million new infections occur every year in the United States. STDs can mostly be prevented by not having sex. If you do have sex, you can lower your risk by using condoms and being in a sexual relationship with a partner who does not have an STD.

STDs do not always cause symptoms, so it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why it is important to get tested if you are having sex. If you are diagnosed with an STD, know that all can be treated with medicine and some can be cured entirely.

The primary goal of the Kentucky Sexually Transmitted Disease/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Counseling and Testing (STD/HIVCT) program is to prevent the spread and resulting effects of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. The Muhlenberg County Health Department offers screenings for many STDs including: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis C.

When you come in for your appointment, you will receive confidential testing, counseling and treatment if needed. Follow ups and referrals may also be made based on need.

For more information regarding STDs, facts, risks, prevention and testing refer to the CDC’s website www.cdc.gov/std/ or the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s STD Program chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/idb/Pages/std.aspx or call the Muhlenberg County Health Department at 270-754-3200.