KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - At a time when several thousand King County residents have HIV infection and may not know it, Public Health - Seattle & King County is urging testing for everyone at risk for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). National HIV Testing Day is set for Tuesday, June 27, 2006.

"If you have a history of HIV risk behavior, take control of your life by testing for HIV," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "If you haven't been tested recently and are at risk, now is the time to do it."

Regular and frequent HIV testing is important for men who have sex with men, injection drug users, and others in the community at higher risk for HIV infection. "Along with consistent condom use and telling sexual partners your HIV status, HIV testing is key to preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases," said Dr. Bob Wood, Director of HIV/AIDS Control for Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Public Health now recommends testing every three months for those gay and bisexually active men who use methamphetamine, those with a recent history of sexually transmitted diseases, and those who have had unprotected anal sex with an HIV-positive man or a man whose HIV status was unknown. Others at higher risk, including sexually active gay and bisexual men and active injection drug users, should test at least annually.

Persons aware of their HIV infection can obtain health care and may be prescribed medications to keep themselves well for years. They also can take steps to avoid passing the infection to others.

Testing options

HIV tests are highly accurate. Testing usually involves a simple blood draw, but can now be done in a variety of ways, including tests on oral fluids and rapid testing using a finger stick drop of blood.

For information about HIV testing or to make an appointment, call Public Health's HIV/STD Hotline at 206-205-7837 or 800-678-1595 (open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday). Information is also available at: www.metrokc.gov/health/apu/resources/testing.htm

Anonymous and confidential HIV testing started in 1985, and has expanded, particularly for gay and bisexual men, injection drug users and people of color. In addition to the STD Clinic at Harborview Medical Center and other Public Health clinics, Public Health staff provides HIV counseling and testing at local correctional facilities, community partner sites and other outreach venues.

Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.

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