Services
If you’ve been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or think you have been, you may be full of questions. Don’t wonder or worry alone. Life Resources provides a comprehensive set of services surrounding testing, treatment, and counseling.
HIV Exposure, Symptoms, and Treatment
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection that attacks the body’s immune system and hinders its ability to fight other infections or illnesses.
Approximately 1 in 7 people with HIV are unaware that they are infected, so there’s no definite way to know if you’ve been exposed. If you’re sexually active, getting tested is the only concrete way to know if you have HIV. Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headaches and body aches
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Throat irritation
- Coughing
- Other flu-like symptoms
As some people with HIV experience no symptoms at all, and the set of symptoms associated with HIV can be caused by other illnesses, the best thing to do is get tested. Life Resources provides confidential, non-invasive, rapid results testing.
Comprehensive HIV and STI Testing
HIV Testing: Life Resources provides free and confidential HIV rapid testing. By using a small amount of blood from pricking the finger with a lancet, results will be given in 10-20 minutes. If results come back Reactive or Preliminary Positive, a confirmatory test will be done through a blood draw. This will be sent to a laboratory that will screen for HIV antibodies.
STI Testing: Sexually Transmitted Infection screenings are also provided at Life Resources. These includes Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Hepatitis C and B.
pre & post prophylaxis
Prophylaxes are measures taken to prevent or control the spread of disease. Life Resources offers pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for people who have been or are at risk of being exposed to HIV.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP is a short course of HIV medicines taken as soon as possible after exposure to HIV to help prevent the virus from infection. People who are at high risk of certain exposure to HIV are considered for PEP. High risk is determined as someone who has had contact either through unprotected sex or blood exposure to HIV (or someone at high risk of positive HIV). If you think you’ve been exposed, treatment is critical within 72 hours.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP is used for people who are not positive for HIV but who are at a greater risk of becoming positive. If you have a sexual partner who is HIV positive, are having consistent sex without a condom, have been diagnosed with other STIs, or if you’ve engaged in needle sharing, PrEP may be a viable option for you.
Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C (HEP C) is a viral infection of the blood that attacks the liver. Hep C is transmitted through blood contact; therefore, it’s not commonly spread through sexual activity, but activities like sharing needles and hygiene surrounding tattoos and piercings also put a person at risk.
While Hepatitis B is also a viral infection attacking the liver, it is transmissible through bodily fluids as well as blood. Hep B can live on surfaces for as long as a month. Left untreated, hep C & B can lead to greater liver disease and death.
Life Resources can treat and even cure hepatitis C, but early detection is critical. While there is no cure for hep B, prevention and treatment options can help manage the condition. Symptoms include:
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Jaundice
Hepatitis c & b
Hepatitis C (HEP C)
A viral infection of the blood that attacks the liver. Hep C is transmitted through blood contact; therefore, it’s not commonly spread through sexual activity, but activities like sharing needles and hygiene surrounding tattoos and piercings also put a person at risk.
Hepatitis B (HEP B)
Hep B is also a viral infection that attacks the liver, but it is transmissible through bodily fluids as well as blood. Hep B can live on surfaces for as long as a month. Left untreated, hep C & B can lead to greater liver disease and death.
Life Resources can treat and even cure Hepatitis C, but early detection is critical. While there is no cure for Hep B, prevention and treatment options can help manage the condition. Symptoms include:
Decreased appetite
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Fever
Jaundice
Bacterial Infections
Among sexually transmitted infections, the most common bacterial infections are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist places making these STIs transmittable through sexual contact, including the mouth, anus, penis, or vagina.
Bacterial sexually transmitted infections are generally curable with antibiotic medications; however, overuse of medications has resulted in some resistance to antibiotics. Although some people experience no symptoms at all, the following may be experienced if you have a bacterial STI:
- Burning sensation with urination
- Discharge from the genitals
- Pelvic pain
- Increased urge to urinate
- Observable sores or blisters on the genitals or mouth
Life Resources Can Help
Sexually transmitted infections are incredibly common. In fact, approximately 50 percent of people will experience an STI at one point in their life or another. The good news is that Life Resources is here for you when it happens or if you suspect it has happened. Not only do we offer confidential testing and treatment options, but we have trained and certified counselors here to help you cope and connect you to resources.
Many people do not realize they have HIV due to a lack of symptoms.
This leads them to live many years without knowing. It is important to get tested, treated, and talk with a counselor. All of our services are confidential, easy, and painless.
