HIV/AIDS can be a rather difficult topic to discuss with loved ones, let alone seek out a professional’s assistance. Whether you are seeking prevention, testing, or counseling, Southside Medical Center is proud to offer unparalleled compassionate care and comprehensive counseling for patients who may be diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, as well as advanced examinations for those looking to prevent it. We warmly invite you to schedule a personal consultation with one of our experienced providers and take the next step towards a greater peace of mind.
What Is HIV?
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that specifically targets the body’s immune system, particularly CD4 cells, which are white blood cells that help fight infection. When these cells are damaged or destroyed, the body becomes more vulnerable to illnesses that it would normally be able to resist. HIV does not go away on its own, but with the right treatment, the virus can be controlled so that it does not progress or cause severe health problems. Regular testing and early diagnosis are important for making HIV manageable and allowing people to maintain long, healthy lives.
What Is AIDS, and How Does it Differ From HIV?
AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection that develops when the immune system has been significantly weakened. While HIV is the virus itself, AIDS refers to the condition that occurs when the body can no longer defend itself against infections and certain cancers. Not everyone with HIV will develop AIDS, especially if treatment starts early and is taken consistently. With the right care, HIV can remain controlled and may never progress to AIDS.
How Does HIV Spread?
HIV spreads when the virus enters the bloodstream through contact with certain body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, or breast milk. Transmission can occur during unprotected sexual contact, by sharing needles or syringes, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV cannot spread through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food.
Who Is at Risk for HIV Infection?
Anyone can be affected by HIV, but some groups face higher risks based on behaviors or circumstances. People who have unprotected sex, share needles, or have multiple sexual partners may be more likely to contract the virus. Babies born to mothers with untreated HIV are also at risk, as are healthcare workers who experience accidental needle sticks. Social and economic factors, including limited access to healthcare, can also increase vulnerability.
What Are the Symptoms of HIV?
Symptoms of HIV vary from person to person, and some may not notice changes in health for years. Early signs often resemble other common illnesses, which makes testing the most reliable way to know if an infection is present.
Common symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Rash
- Muscle aches
- Night sweats
Myths and Facts About HIV Transmission
Misunderstandings about HIV transmission can create fear and stigma, which is why accurate information matters. HIV cannot be spread through casual social contact, kissing, or sharing household items like dishes or towels. Swimming pools, toilet seats, and insect bites are also not sources of transmission. The virus only spreads when certain body fluids from an infected person enter the bloodstream of another person.
Prevention Options
Preventing HIV is an important step in protecting your health, especially if you belong to a group with a higher risk of exposure. While treatment makes it possible to live well with HIV, prevention can help you avoid infection altogether and lower the chance of transmitting the virus to others. At Southside Medical Center, we offer resources to underserved communities to spread information about HIV prevention.
How to Reduce Your Risk of HIV
Using condoms consistently, avoiding the sharing of needles or syringes, and getting tested regularly are some of the most effective steps you can take. Those who are sexually active can also consider medications that lower the risk of HIV. Open communication with partners about testing and prevention methods is important for staying safe.
What Is PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)?
PrEP is a medication that can be taken daily by individuals who are HIV-negative but at higher risk of contracting the virus. When used correctly, it can greatly lower the likelihood of infection from sex or injection drug use. PrEP is most effective when combined with other preventive measures such as condom use and regular testing.
What Is PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)?
PEP is a short-term treatment for people who may have been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours. It involves taking antiretroviral medications for 28 days to reduce the chance of becoming infected. PEP is meant for emergency situations, such as a condom breaking during sex or accidental exposure in a healthcare setting. Starting PEP as quickly as possible is important, since it is less effective if delayed.
Safer Sex Practices and Harm Reduction
Safer sex practices are a cornerstone of HIV prevention. Using condoms correctly every time, limiting the number of sexual partners, and getting tested regularly can all help reduce risk. Harm reduction approaches, such as using clean needles or accessing syringe exchange programs, are effective in lowering transmission rates among people who inject drugs.
HIV Testing
We provide confidential HIV testing in a safe and supportive environment, helping you take an important step toward protecting your health and the health of others. Whether you are seeking routine screening or think you may have been exposed, testing is the only reliable way to know your status and make informed decisions about care and prevention.
Why Regular Testing Matters
Choosing to test for HIV regularly is one of the most effective ways to stay informed about your health. Early detection allows treatment to begin sooner, which helps protect your immune system and reduces the chance of passing the virus to others. Regular testing is especially important if you belong to a higher-risk group or have new sexual partners.
Types of HIV Tests
Different types of HIV test options are available, each offering accurate results but in different ways. Rapid tests use a finger stick (a blood sample collected by pricking your finger) or oral fluid sample and can give results in about 20 minutes. Lab-based tests require a blood sample that is sent to a laboratory, and may detect the virus earlier than other methods. Self-testing kits are another option, allowing you to collect a sample at home and either read the result yourself or mail it to a lab for analysis. The right test often depends on your comfort level and how quickly you want results.
What to Expect During Your HIV Test
When coming in for an HIV screening, a healthcare professional will review your risk factors and answer questions before collecting a sample of blood, oral fluid, or a finger stick. The testing itself usually takes only a few minutes and is conducted in a private setting to protect confidentiality. Afterward, results are shared as soon as possible and explained clearly, along with resources and next steps if needed.
Counseling and Support
Living with HIV can bring not only medical concerns but also emotional challenges. Counseling and support services are an important part of care, helping you manage stress, cope with a diagnosis, and stay connected to resources that make treatment more manageable. We provide compassionate, confidential support that looks at the whole person, not just the medical condition.
The Role of Counseling in HIV Care
Counseling helps patients address the emotional and psychological effects of the condition. People living with HIV often face anxiety, depression, or stigma that can make it harder to stay consistent with treatment. We help individuals remain engaged in care, improve their quality of life, and build confidence in managing their health by offering counseling, education, and coping strategies.
Confidentiality and Compassionate Support
Seeking support for HIV should always feel safe and private. Confidentiality is a priority, and services are provided in a way that respects your dignity and your choices. Compassionate support creates a safe space where you can share your concerns without fear of judgment. Knowing that your privacy is protected can make it easier to reach out for help and build trust in the care you receive.
Emotional Health and Living With HIV
Emotional health is closely tied to how well a person can manage HIV treatment. People living with HIV are at higher risk of experiencing mental health needs compared to the general population, and untreated mental health conditions can disrupt treatment or create barriers to care. Supportive counseling helps identify challenges early, connect patients with mental health professionals when needed, and provide resources to maintain both emotional balance and medical stability.
Family, Partner, and Community Support
HIV care is not only about individual health but also about strengthening the relationships and networks that surround you. Counseling for families, partners, and communities helps others understand the condition, reduce stigma, and learn how to provide support. We also link patients to community-based organizations, specialists, and benefit programs that can make daily life more manageable.
HIV Treatment and Care
Receiving an HIV diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but treatment options are highly effective and allow people to live long, fulfilling lives. With proper medical care, the virus can be controlled, the immune system can be protected, and the risk of transmission can be greatly reduced.
What to Do After a Positive HIV Test Result
A positive test does not define your future, and effective treatment can help you live a long and fulfilling life. Taking action quickly by connecting with healthcare professionals is the first step toward effective HIV and AIDS treatment. Once care begins, you will be guided through the available treatment options, receive ongoing support, and learn strategies to stay healthy.
What Is Antiretroviral Therapy?
Antiretroviral therapy, often called ART, is the cornerstone of treatment for HIV and AIDS. It involves taking a combination of medications that work to reduce the amount of virus in the body. By lowering the viral load, ART helps the immune system stay strong and significantly reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others. Most people take ART once a day in pill form or receive a shot once a month. When followed consistently, it can keep HIV under control for life.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Starting HIV/AIDS treatment soon after diagnosis can make a major difference in long-term health. Early care helps preserve immune function, lowers the chance of developing AIDS-related complications, and greatly improves overall well-being. Early treatment of AIDS is also important because it can reduce transmission within communities by keeping the virus suppressed. Choosing to begin treatment promptly means more options for maintaining both health and quality of life.
What Are Undetectable HIV Levels?
When a person reaches undetectable HIV levels, it means the amount of virus in the blood is so low that standard viral load tests cannot find it. This happens when treatment is taken consistently and effectively controls the virus. Being undetectable does not mean HIV is cured, and HIV tests will still come back positive, but it does mean you can stay healthy and you will be less likely to transmit HIV to sexual partners.
Why Consider Southside Medical Center
- We have extensive experience with referrals, screenings, and physical assessments in our Women’s Center.
- We have exceptional experience providing testing and counseling in our Behavioral Health Center.
- We are proud to have community acceptance of our HIV/AIDS work, particularly our Housing Program for People with AIDS.
- We hold close ties with numerous health departments and community-based support agencies.
- We possess experience deploying street outreach workers and a strong administrative and clinical commitment to our vision.
- We are a part of HIV FOCUS Gilead Sciences Inc.
- We offer FREE Routine HIV screening for ages 13-64.
HIV/AIDS is one arena where SMC has historically had a strong history of inter-agency collaboration. Staff participate in HIV-related service planning bodies in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. Our physicians deliver care with compassion, professionalism, and confidentiality.
We have strong partnerships with Gilead Sciences Inc., United Way’s Ameri-Corps volunteer program, and with a number of HIV/AIDS services organizations, including Positive Impact, St. Joseph-Mercy Care, AID Atlanta, and others. We are also proud to offer resources to housing, Medicaid, Medicare, rent assistance, and behavioral health, among others, for our patients.
What Is the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program?
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program is a federal support system that helps people living with HIV who do not have enough insurance coverage or financial resources to access the care they need. It steps in when other funding sources are not available or do not fully cover the cost of care. The program provides a wide range of services, including medical care, medications, case management, and supportive services that help individuals stay connected to treatment and maintain their health.
At Southside Medical Center, we can help you understand whether you qualify for the Ryan White Program and assist you through the application process. We are here to answer your questions, guide you through eligibility requirements, and connect you with the right resources.
Common Questions About HIV
Can HIV Be Cured?
Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but treatment is highly effective at controlling the virus. With consistent medical care, people can keep the virus at very low levels in the body, protect their immune system, and live long and healthy lives. Research continues to explore possible cures, but for now, ongoing treatment remains the most reliable way to manage HIV.
How Much Does HIV Testing Cost?
The cost of HIV testing can vary depending on where you go, the type of test used, and whether you have insurance coverage. In our clinics, testing is free for many patients. At Southside Medical Center, we can explain your options and help connect you with resources so that cost does not prevent you from getting tested.
Will My Insurance Cover HIV Testing and Care?
Many insurance plans do cover HIV testing and care, but the level of coverage depends on your specific plan. Even if you do not have insurance, programs such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program can help make services affordable. Our staff can review your situation, guide you through what is covered, and connect you with support programs if you qualify.
Can Pregnant Women With HIV Have Healthy Babies?
Women with HIV can have healthy pregnancies and deliver babies who are HIV-negative with the right care. Taking medication during pregnancy, receiving regular medical monitoring, and following safe delivery practices significantly lowers the chance of transmission to the baby. After birth, additional steps such as medication for the infant and safe feeding practices can further reduce risk.
How Can I Tell My Partner or Family About My Diagnosis?
Sharing an HIV diagnosis with loved ones can feel difficult, but support and honesty can make a positive difference. Choosing a private, calm setting and preparing what you want to say may help the conversation go more smoothly. Some people find it useful to bring a counselor into the discussion to answer questions and offer reassurance. Our counseling services are available to support you in these moments, so you do not have to face the conversation alone.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for HIV/AIDS Prevention, Testing, and Counseling?
Virtually anyone above the age of 13 can benefit from a screening if they have not been previously diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. As well, anyone who has been diagnosed can highly benefit from counseling sessions with our compassionate staff.
More About Southside Medical Center
Southside Medical Center has been serving the Atlanta community since 1967, originally founded as the Atlanta Southside Comprehensive Health Center. Over the years, it has grown into a trusted provider of affordable healthcare services, with locations throughout Metro Atlanta, including Norcross, East Point, Riverdale, Hampton, and Forest Park. Recognized nationally for delivering some of the best primary healthcare to medically underserved populations, Southside Medical Center continues to uphold its mission of compassion, accountability, respect, excellence, and service. Under the leadership of Dr. David M. Williams, who has played a key role in advancing public health and HIV care in Georgia, the center remains committed to meeting the diverse healthcare needs of the community.
Schedule Your HIV/AIDS Consultation or Testing in Atlanta, GA
Southside Medical Center is proud to provide the highest quality health and wellness care to our patients in the greater Atlanta area and beyond. Our providers, who possess years of expertise, are committed to producing exceptional primary health care along with a wide range of related services. Contact us today at (404) 688-1350 or online to schedule your initial consultation and take the next step towards leading a happier, healthier, and brighter future.
Know your status and get FREE HIV testing in Atlanta GA, only at Southside Medical Center TODAY!
