North Central CT Clinics Support National HIV Testing Day

Today is National HIV Testing Day.

The annual event encourages testing as one of the most effective tools medicine has to fight AIDS.

AIDS is caused by HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus. And, according to the National Association of People With AIDS, almost 40 percent of people with HIV are not diagnosed until they already have developed AIDS, which can be more than 10 years after the initial HIV infection. Early detection allows those infected to benefit the most from life-saving treatments, the group says.

Health organizations around the north central Connectict offered free or very low-cost tests Monday, but if you missed out today don't think you can't or shouldn't be tested. To find the nearest clinic to Tolland that offers the test use and share this online HIV/AIDS Prevention & Service Providers Locator.

You can also add this widget to your website or blog, click here for a test site location or send a text message with your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948) to get one via text.

Who should test?

Everyone who is old enough to be sexually active or who does recreational drugs should be tested routinely at regular well-doctor visits, the NAPWA says.