There would be free Rapid HIV testing provided by the Panhandle Health District on June 1 in its offices in all five northern counties. This is being done as a part of National HIV Testing Day. These rapid tests are very easy to conduct and product results in about 15 minutes.

People have been urged to make appointments before coming to the test centers. It is estimated that over 20% people living with HIV are unaware that they are HIV positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has laid down some recommendations in order to control this number by stating that people from age 13 through 64 include an HIV test in their annual physical exams.

HIV is contagious disease and can be passed on through contact with the blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk of an infected person. It is said that unprotected sex with a person who is HIV positive places a high risk of HIV exposure. It is therefore recommended that a person should get themselves tested to avoid any complications. Sharing syringes and needles can also lead to person getting infected with HIV. This disease can also be passed from a mother to a child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.