HIV is an epidemic affecting over 39 million people worldwide, and 1.2 million people in the United States. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that damages or weakens the immune system which protects the body from harmful foreign bodies. A healthy immune system is able to attack and clear out infections; however, untreated HIV prevents the immune system from fighting off infections and diseases.
The clinic is open 40 hours weekly. The clinic is closed daily from 12:00 – 12:30 PM. Staff are available for emergencies.
Do you have an emergency and need to talk with a doctor or nurse after hours? Call the main clinic line to reach the after-hours line: 423.265.2273
*Deaf services available
Learn More About HIV
HIV can be transmitted through blood, semen (cum), pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum), rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk of an HIV positive person. These fluids must come in contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue or be directly injected into the bloodstream (from a needle or syringe) for transmission to occur. Mucous membranes are found inside the rectum, vagina, penis, and mouth.
HIV is NOT spread through casual contact like shaking hands, hugging, OR sharing public facilities like water fountains or bathrooms. HIV is NOT spread by saliva, tears, urine or sweat, nor is it spread by air, water, or insects.
Some people experience flu-like symptoms that include fever, chills, rash, muscle aches, fatigue, and mouth ulcers around the time they are infected by HIV. It is important to know, that not everyone experiences symptoms and that getting tested is the ONLY way to know if you are infected with HIV.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If left untreated, AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection and occurs when the HIV virus has severely damaged the body’s immune system. When this happens, certain infections are able to enter the body without resistance. Without treatment, AIDS can be fatal; with treatment, HIV may never advance to its final stage in becoming AIDS.
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, then you may be at risk for transmitting HIV and should get tested as soon as possible:
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Are you a man who has had sex with another man?
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Are you sexually active with a partner who is living with HIV?
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Have you had multiple sex partners since your last HIV test?
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Are you sexually active with partner(s) and been unaware of their HIV status?
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Have you recently tested positive (+) for a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
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Do you infrequently use condoms?
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Have you injected drugs and shared needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment with others?
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Do you engage in sex that involves exchange of commodities (housing, drugs, money, etc.)?
PrEP Can Help Keep You Free From HIV.
PrEP, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, is a therapy that can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. PrEP medicines, when taken as prescribed, are over 99% effective at stopping the HIV Virus from establishing itself and reproducing inside your body.
Learn More and find out if you are a good candidate for PrEP.
Our Discount Program
Cempa Community Care provides care for low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients. Regardless of whether or not a patient is able to pay, we provide services and can offer payment plans.
