HIV Testing at South Tampa Immediate Care
At South Tampa Immediate Care, we offer walk-in testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in a comfortable and nonjudgmental setting. Because our office is open during extended hours – between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekends – you won’t have to miss work or school to be tested. Just stop by whenever it’s most convenient for you. Our caring team will make sure that you receive your test results, as well as any necessary treatment or referral, both quickly and discreetly.
When should you be tested for HIV?
For individuals who are sexually active, many physicians recommend HIV testing at least annually, but you can have an HIV test performed at any time. If you’ve had unprotected sex, shared needles, been exposed to HIV-infected blood, or otherwise put yourself at risk, you are encouraged to talk with a health care provider as soon as possible. HIV is highly contagious during the early stages of infection, so it is vital to take proper precautions, such as abstaining from sex or using condoms.
What are the symptoms of HIV and other STDs?
Within a few weeks after contracting an HIV infection, some people develop temporary flu-like symptoms or persistent swollen glands. Other symptoms of HIV and other STDs include:
- Pain or burning sensations during urination
- Abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina
- Pain in the abdominal or pelvic region
- Itching, blisters, sores, or warts in the genital area
- Fever
Whether or not you have symptoms, HIV testing is the only way to know for sure whether you are infected. It is also important to understand that many HIV-infected people continue to look and feel perfectly healthy for at least a decade, and often longer. Even so, they can still transmit the virus to others.
If you have questions about HIV testing or would like to be tested, stop by our office at 602 South Howard Avenue in Tampa today. In a completely confidential setting, you can receive cheap HIV testing and talk with an experienced medical professional about your health status, HIV risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment options (if necessary).