HIV/AIDS and STD information for health care providers

Health Care Providers
HIV/AIDS and STDs

The HIV/AIDS Program of Public Health - Seattle & King County coordinates and collaborates with health care organizations, universities, community-based groups and other Health Department programs to provide essential prevention, research and care services.

Selected links to HIV/AIDS-related provider information

	HIV/AIDS homepage
		HIV/STD Prevention and Self-Care Messages for MSM Crystal Users
		STD/HIV Screening Guidelines for men who have sex with men (MSM) Public Health has developed new STD/HIV screening guidelines for MSM, which we encourage you to read carefully and integrate into your practice. We cannot overemphasize the importance of STD/HIV risk assessment and screening in MSM, including those who are HIV-infected.
		Options for HIV testing in King County Learn about the pros and cons of anonymous and confidential HIV testing. Resources on where to get tested including clinics, home access kits, and private organizations.
		Facts about HIV reporting in Washington State During HIV post-test counseling, health care providers shall inform individuals who test HIV positive that their identity will be confidentially reported to the local or state health officer. (WAC 246-100-209(2)(b)(ii) If HIV testing is anonymous, the results are not reportable.
		Post Exposure Prophylaxis Since substantial exposures to others' blood or body fluids in occupational and non-occupational settings can be somewhat an emergency (i.e. some treatments should be started within 4 hours), we recommend that concerned persons in King County call us.
		Washington State HIV Test Counseling Workshop and WA State HIV Prevention Counseling Workshop These workshops will assist health care providers and others develop the skills necessary to provide pre- and post-test HIV prevention counseling for individuals requesting HIV testing, as required by the Washington State Omnibus AIDS law.
		Motivational Interviewing Workshop: An Introduction to Helping People Change Motivational Interviewing is a client-centered, directive method for enhancing intrinsic motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence.
		HIV/AIDS Surveillance and Epidemiologic Research Program The HIV/AIDS Surveillance and Epidemiologic Research Program is part of Public Health-Seattle & King County. The Program conducts state-mandated HIV and AIDS case reporting activities and public health research regarding the epidemiology, natural history, transmission and control of HIV, hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses, and other diseases of public health importance.
		Bibliographies of current HIV/AIDS literature Published every two months, includes a recommended bibliography of new HIV articles.
		Update on the HIV Antibody Test Window Period The HIV antibody test does not detect HIV directly but looks for antibodies to HIV. Antibodies are factors that are produced by the body to fight infections. Antibodies take time to form. The test will not be positive until enough antibodies are present in the blood for the test to find them.
		MSM HIV/STD Prevention Task Force The MSM HIV/STD Taskforce is a coalition of community individuals, leaders and service providers dedicated to supporting and addressing the prevention and health needs of Gay and Bisexual men in Seattle King County.

Selected links to HIV/AIDS-related provider information

	Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) homepage
		Where to refer patients for STD testing A listing of HIV and STD testing clinics in King County on where to refer patients.
		STD Program Summary Brief program summary and STD case statistics for King County.
		Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea Since October 2003, significant numbers of gonorrhea cases due to fluoroquinolone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae have appeared in King County. There are two immediate implications for health care providers.