HIV

HIV services offered in Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows and Mt. Prospect, IL

About 1.2 million people in the United States have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and 13% of them don’t realize they have this sexually transmitted disease (STD). At NewMed Immediate Care in Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, and Prospect, Illinois, the highly trained team screens for and treats HIV to detect or better manage the disease. Schedule STD screening at NewMed Immediate Care by calling the office or using the online booking feature today. Walk-ins are also welcome.

What is HIV?

HIV is an STD caused by a virus. It’s spread from person to person via sexual intercourse or blood contact, particularly shared needles. HIV infects and destroys immune system cells, making it difficult to combat other diseases.

If HIV severely weakens your immune system, it’s called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Without treatment, HIV often progresses to AIDS after about 10 years.

Who is at risk of HIV?

Anyone who has unprotected sex (or shares needles) with someone infected with HIV is at risk of contracting the virus. HIV can also pass from a mother to her infant during childbirth or via breast milk.

Population groups with higher rates of HIV include men who have sex with men, people who are Hispanic or Black, and individuals who exchange sex for money. However, anyone with risk factors can contract HIV or other STDs.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

HIV may not cause any symptoms, which is why routine STD testing if you’re at risk is important. Initially, after contracting HIV, you might experience:

Chills
Night sweats
Rash
Muscle aches
Fever
Sore throat
Fatigue
Mouth sores
Swollen lymph nodes

After these initial flu-like symptoms, you might not have any symptoms for years — though you can still spread HIV to other people.

If untreated HIV progresses to AIDS, you might notice an increase in certain types of infections, cancers, and sometimes neurological conditions.

How is HIV diagnosed?

Diagnosing HIV at NewMed Immediate Care involves a review of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Your provider may suggest you undergo a blood or saliva test to screen for HIV and other STDs. Depending on the results, you might need a second test.

How is HIV treated?

While there’s no cure for HIV, treating it can slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of spreading HIV to other people. Treatment involves taking medications called antiretroviral therapy. You must continue treatment indefinitely to protect your immune system and reduce the risk of developing AIDS or transmitting HIV.

Some medications help prevent the spread of HIV in individuals who have recently been exposed to the virus.

Get HIV screening at NewMed Immediate Care by calling the office, booking a visit online, or walking in today.