Along with hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea and chancroid, AIDS and the positive HIV antibody are legally considered venereal diseases. The virus that causes infection leading ultimately to AIDS is transmitted by sharing body fluids through contaminated needles, sexual contact, blood transfusions and through the placenta from an infected mother to her baby. Testing for exposure to the HIV virus is available through all district health departments, Planned Parenthood of Idaho and private physicians. District health departments frequently charge a small blood-drawing fee, which can be waived. If you, or anyone you know, feel that you or they may have had contact with the virus in any way, or if you wish to have a prenatal or premarital blood test, check with any district health department, Planned Parenthood or your private physician.
Great care is taken to maintain confidentiality of all information.
Individual counseling is available on the significance of the test prior to any blood being drawn and as much counseling as the patient desires is available in the case of a positive test. Repeated counseling is always available if additional questions arise. An unintended pregnancy is the responsibility of both the boy and the girl, but the primary consequences affect the girl. If you find yourself pregnant, get help at the earliest possible time. Discuss your pregnancy with a reliable source, for example, with your family, clergy, doctor, district health department or Planned Parenthood of Idaho.