Frequently Asked Questions
AIDS/HIV

1. Am I at risk for HIV?
   
   If you have ever had sexual intercourse with a partner of unknown HIV status or have ever shared needles with someone of unknown HIV status, then you may be at risk for HIV infection. This can include sharing needles for steroid use, ear or body piercing and tattooing. An infected mother can infect her unborn baby since HIV can pass through the placenta into the infant's bloodstream or while the infant is breastfeeding. Also, if you have received blood or blood products before 1985, you could be at risk.
   
   
2. Where can I get tested for HIV?
   
   The DuPage County Health Department offers free HIV testing at the following sites:
   
   DuPage County Health Department - Wheaton Office
   111 North County Farm Road
   Wheaton, IL 60187
   
   DuPage County Health Department - Lombard Office
   1111 W. Jackson
   Lombard, Illinois 60148
   
   DuPage County Health Department - Westmont Office
   422 N Cass Avenue
   Westmont, Illinois 60559
   
   College of DuPage
   22nd and Lambert Avenues
   Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137
   
   You can also get tested at a private doctor's office.
   
   
3. When do you have appointments?
   
   All times are by appointment only. Spanish speaking counselors and sign language interpreters are available upon request. For an appointment see following schedule.
    
4. What services are available for someone HIV+ in the community?
   
   HIV case managers are available to assess the physical, financial and emotional needs of clients and then assist them in developing a health plan of care. Case managers help client access and utilize local resources such as:
   

   Physicians, Public Aid, support groups, assistance with partner notification, transportation, housing, substance abuse treatment and legal services. Other services may be available as well.

5. Where can I test for STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)?
   
   The DuPage County Health Department offers STD testing during the following times in our Wheaton office:
   

   Mondays - 2:00PM - 7:00 PM
   Wednesdays - 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM

   The clinic is done on a walk in basis - no appointment is needed. There is a $50.00 fee for the complete clinic. Spanish speaking interpreters are available.
   
   

6. What types of Community Education Programs are available?
   
   A staff of trained AIDS prevention educators is available, upon request, to give presentations to civic groups, clubs, schools, work sites and religious organizations. These presentations can be given in either English or Spanish. These presentations consist of up-to-date information about AIDS including:
   
   
   • What HIV and AIDS are and why the infection is a serious problem
   • How the virus can and cannot be spread
   • How one can avoid and prevent exposure to the virus
   • A variety of other AIDS related issues
      
7. What support groups are available?
   
   Please call (630) 682-7400 for current support group information.
   
   
8. Can you give me some information about the HIV antibody test?
   
   You can call to set up an appointment for testing. The appointment is anonymous, free and available to anyone 12 years of age or older. You speak to a counselor, who assesses your risk and answers your questions about HIV, and then an appointment is set up in 2 weeks for you to return and view your test results. You have to come in for the results; we will not release the results over the phone or in the mail. Because the testing is anonymous, we are not able to give the client a copy of the test results.
   
   
9. What is the cost of the services?
   
   The HIV antibody test at the DuPage County Health Department is free.
   
   
10. How can I protect myself from getting infected with HIV?
    
    Since a vast majority of the people living with HIV were infected through sex or through sharing needles, the best was to protect yourself is to abstain from using drug, especially those requiring needles, and to either abstain from sexual intercourse, or develop a mutually monogamous relationship with a tested, uninfected partner. Condoms, when used correctly, are very effective in reducing the risk of transmitting HIV as well as other sexually transmitted diseases. For a more specific prevention plan, call (630) 682-7400 and speak to one of our counselors.