The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. When the virus enters the body, it infects certain parts of the immune system, weakening the body’s defenses.
HIV lives in four main body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. Any unprotected exposure to these fluids puts you at risk of getting HIV. Though many treatments exist for HIV infection, still no cure has been developed.
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) provides HIV/AIDS prevention, education, and case management services.
- More than 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV infection, and almost 1 in 6 (15.8%) are unaware of their infection
- Florida has one of the highest rates of new HIV infections in the country
- The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested
Testing
The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) offers confidential, 15-minute HIV tests to the public in our clinic and through outreach activities in the community. DOH-Manatee also offer other STD tests; our package screening tests for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis A, B and C.
HIV/STD is available at DOH-Manatee’s clinic (6th Ave E, Bradenton). Costs depend on your ability to pay as determined by our eligibility office.
Additionally, DOH-Manatee’s mobile unit (medical bus) visits sites throughout Manatee County. Testing is free on the mobile unit.
Know Your Status
View locations near you for testing, counseling, and referrals.
HIV/AIDS Data & Statistics
HIV staff and partners use these data and trends to plan, carry out, and assess HIV programs statewide.
Florida’s HIV/AIDS Resources
Because there is no cure, reducing the transmission of HIV while minimizing its effect on those living with it is critical.