HIV Prevention Program 

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention Program provides free rapid HIV testing and referrals.

HIV Testing at DuPage County Health Department

  • Conventional HIV Testing (blood draw with laboratory testing) 
    • By appointment only
  • Free Rapid HIV Testing (finger stick)
    • Walk-ins accepted with staff availability
    • Test results are given at the time of testing
    • Accurate 90 days after possible exposure to the virus

HIV testing is also offered as part of a full exam in our Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Clinics.

Checking In

Please check in with the front desk receptionist and let them know that you are here for HIV testing only.

Free STI/HIV Testing at Open Door Health

By appointment only

https://odhcil.org/service/hiv-programs/

Locations
Aurora (Mondays)
Address: 157 S. Lincoln Ave., Suite K, Aurora, IL 60505
Phone: (630) 264-1819
Elgin (Tuesdays)
Address: 1665 Larkin Ave. Elgin, IL 60123
Phone: (847) 695-1093


About HIV

HIV is a virus spread through certain body fluids that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells. These special cells help the immune system fight off infections. Untreated, HIV reduces the number of CD4 cells (T cells) in the body.

Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. Opportunistic infections or cancers take advantage of a very weak immune system and signal that the person has AIDS. (HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.)

Locations of Virus, Symptoms & Spread

  • HIV can only be found in semen, vaginal and rectal fluids, blood, and breast milk of a person with HIV.
  • HIV is spread through unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone who has it, through sharing needles, and through breastfeeding.
  • Initial symptoms of HIVare much like the flu:
    • Body aches
    • Fatigue
    • Fever
    • Headache
    • Sore throat
    • Swollen lymph nodes

Diagnosis

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get an HIV test.

Full STD Exam

For a full STD exam, testing and treatment, call 630-682-7400 to make an appointment. For more information download the DuPage County Health Department’s STD Clinic flyer (PDF).

Last Reviewed: 8/16/2023