Page 34 - University of South Florida Student Planner 2022-2023

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What is HIV/AIDS
HIV & AIDS RESOURCES
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV gradually attacks the immune system, causing the body to become more vulnerable to disease and infection. The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a result of HIV infection. It occurs when the immune system becomes too weak to fight illness.
You may be at increased risk for HIV infection if you have:
• Injected drugs or steroids, during which equipment and blood were shared with others
• Had unprotected sex with men who have sex with men, multiple partners, or anonymous partners • Exchanged sex for drugs or money
• Received a blood transfusion or clotting factor during 1978-1985
• Had unprotected sex with someone who has any of the risk factors listed above.
How is it Prevented?
Abstinence is the only 100% method of not contracting HIV or be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship. However, latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of HIV; as well as avoiding any unprotected contact with HIV infected bodily fluid.
There is now prophylaxis (preventative) medication to prevent HIV infection called PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) for those persons at highest risk for acquiring HIV. To be screened to see if PrEP is right for you, schedule an appointment with a medical provider at Student Health Services (SHS).
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV and you are not on PrEP, there are medications that can be prescribed to help prevent you from becoming infected with HIV. These medications are called PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis). In order to prevent infection, you must start taking these medications within 72 hours of exposure and one should do so as early as possible.
If you think you need PrEP, please schedule an appointment with a medical provider at SHS. If SHS is not open and you think it nearing the 72 hours since exposure, it may be best to seek medical care at an Urgent Care facility or and Emergency Department at a local hospital.
Students seeking more information and locations to get tested may contact Student Health Services on Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee campuses. Student Health Services can also serve to refer students to other HIV-care resources, including county health departments. They may also text their zip code to 477 493 to find an HIV testing location nearby. The only way to know if you are infected is to get tested for HIV. Testing locations include:
TAMPA
Metro Wellness & Community Ctr
1315 E. 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605 813.232.3808
The Linkage to Care Project & Youth Education Services 1315 7th Ave Suite 104
Tampa, FL 33605
813.396.9161
DACCO
4422 E. Columbus Dr. Tampa, FL 33605 813.984.1818
Hillsborough County Health Dept .
1105 East Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, FL 33602 863.687.8475
Planned Parenthood
Tampa Health Center
8068 N. 56th Street, Tampa, FL 33617 813.980.3555
Tampa Family Health Centers
1502 East Fowler Avenue Tampa, FL 33612 813.866.0950
SARASOTA
First Step of Sarasota
1970 Main St. 5th Floor Sarasota, FL 34236 941.552.2078
Genesis Health Services, Inc .
707 7th St.
W. Palmetto, FL 34234 941.957.1970
ST. PETERSBURG
Metro Wellness and Community Ctr
3251 Ste. 125 3rd Ave. North St. Petersburg, FL 33713 727.321.3854
AIDS Service Association of Pinellas, Inc .
3050 1st Ave. S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727.328.3260
Pinellas County Health Department
205 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr St N
St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727.824.6900