Free HIV And Hepatitis Tests In Vallejo On Monday

VALLEJO - Solano County public health officials are offering free HIV and Hepatitis tests in Vallejo Monday.

The tests are available noon to 4 p.m. at the John F. Kennedy Library, 505 Santa Clara St., as part of National HIV Testing Day.

This year's theme is 'Doing it,'" Solano County Public Health assistant Joslyn Moore said.

"Doing it is all about incorporating routine Human Immunodeficiency Virus testing into your regular health care regimen.

The HIV virus weakens the body's immune system and can lead to AIDS without proper medical care. It is spread from person to person mainly through unprotected sex and sharing needles.

The Hepatitis C virus is spread by contact with contaminated blood from sharing needles or from un-sterile tattoo equipment.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone between 13 and 64 years old get tested for HIV at least once.The HIV test takes 20 minutes and is completely confidential, Moore said.

For more information call or text Solano County Public Health at (707) 398-8317 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Responses will be given within 30 minutes.

-Bay City News