Communicable Disease Program

STD Information

HIV Information

    - Risks

    - Case Management

FAQs

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV is a virus that infects the cells within a person’s immune system. It is passed from one person to another through contact with body fluids from a person already infected with HIV. There are an estimated 40 million people infected with HIV worldwide, including over 1 million people in the United States. Almost a quarter of the people in the U.S. that are infected with HIV are unaware of their infection, posing a high risk of further spreading the virus.

HIV affects everyone in the U.S., but the impact has been more severe for some groups. People at highest risk for HIV include men who have sex with other men and injection drug users. It has also become a serious problem among heterosexual African Americans and the Hispanic/Latino population.

In order to stop the spread of HIV, it is important for people to understand the risks, and to know their status.

Are you at risk for HIV?

• Have you had unprotected sex with multiple partners?

• Have you ever had sex with a man that has had sex with other men?

• Have you been diagnosed with two or more sexually transmitted infections?

• Have any of your sexual partners been HIV positive?

• Have you or your sexual partner ever injected drugs?

• Have you exchanged sex for drugs, money, or something you need?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you may be at risk for HIV and should be tested.

Testing Information

The DeKalb County Health Department offers HIV testing to individuals 12 and over.  Minors do not need permission from parents to be tested.  The DeKalb County Health Department offers HIV testing that is:

Free. Our HIV testing is free of charge. You do not have to live in DeKalb County to receive free testing.

Painless. The testing sample is taken from the saliva in your mouth

Anonymous. The HIV testing we offer is either anonymous or confidential. We do not need to know your name, address or any other identifying information.  Any information you choose to share is confidential.

Quick. The testing appointment takes about thirty minutes, and you will get your results on the same day.  You will not receive any written proof of your test results.

Your HIV testing appointment with a trained HIV/STD counselor will include the following:

• Information about the Rapid HIV test

• Educational information on sexual health

• Answers to your sexual health questions

• HIV test results

• Free condoms and lubricant offered

For an HIV Testing appointment call (815) 748-2467.

HIV transmission information

HIV is a communicable infectious disease.  Transmission requires the exchange of infectious bodily fluids during some intimate or invasive activity.  There are only certain bodily fluids and activities that have been identified as ways to transmit HIV.

Routes of Transmission

Sexual Intercourse: anal, vaginal, or oral sex

Exposure to Blood: sharing of injection needles, an occupational needle stick or transfer of blood/blood products

Perinatal: from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or while breast feeding

Activities that do not transmit HIV

            Casual contact

            Sharing bathroom facilities

            Coughing/sneezing

            Eating/sharing food

            Touching/shaking hands

            Hugging/kissing

            Insect bites

            Donating blood

            Swimming/bathing

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Case Management Services

The DeKalb County Health Department provides Case Management services to HIV+ individuals and their families. Our client-centered services link individuals with health care and other available resources in order to empower people living with HIV to lead healthy and independent lives. The program is funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health, and our Case Manager is a trained, professional counselor. Any individual who is HIV+ and resides in DeKalb, Lee or Ogle County may be eligible for a variety of Case Management services.

Case Management Services Available:

• Emergency Rent & Utility assistance

• Monthly Food Boxes/Home-Delivered Meals

• Legal Services

• Medical Transportation Assistance

• Mental Health Services

• Oral & Optical Health Care

• Substance Abuse Services

• Outpatient/Ambulatory Medical Care

• AIDS Drug Assistance Program

For more information about Case Management services, please call 815-748-2449.

Contact the Communicable Disease Program

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