HIV/AIDS

The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) has served those diagnosed with HIV infections for many years. HIV infections can be easily managed with medication and there are a variety of assistance programs available to help clients with their medications. Our clinic offers patient care, HIV counseling and testing, case management, nutritional services, and more.

DOH-Citrus also offers access to AIDS Drug Assistance Program medications and referrals for patients to access pharmaceuticals through the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program.

About HIV/Aids

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be passed from an infected person to an uninfected person when IV drug supplies are shared between them, during sexual activity, or from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy.

The virus enters the blood stream where it infects T4 cells, which work to coordinate the immune responses to pathogens and toxins in the body. The virus will hijack the cell's machinery to replicate itself, killing the cell in the process. Without those cells operating fully in the body, the immune system will begin to fail. When the number of T4 cells lowers to a certain level, the infected person is then diagnosed with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Prevention

• Get tested regularly or prior to new sexual partners
• Use condoms correctly and consistently for each sexual encounter
• Always use new IV drug supplies and never share supplies with another person
• Begin and adhere to a PrEP regimen
  • PrEP is a medication regimen that someone at high risk of acquiring HIV can take to reduce their risk of becoming infected
• Adhere to and complete a PEP regimen
  • PEP is a medication regimen that can reduce the risk of someone becoming infected after being exposed to HIV
• Consistently take HIV treatment medication to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others

Treatment

With the treatments that are currently available, HIV can be easily medically managed. Those who begin treatment quickly after being diagnosed lead long and healthy lives despite their infections. These treatments typically consist of medications that can reduce the amount of virus in the body to undetectable levels so that the immune system continues to function normally.

If the medication is taken correctly and consistently, virus levels can remain low for the remainder of the person's life. 

Testing

Call DOH-Citrus at 352-527-0068 to schedule an HIV testing appointment.

• Florida Department of Health HIV/AIDS Information

Patient Care

DOH-Citrus staff provide specialty health care for HIV-positive clients. Medicaid, Medicare, third party, and other payer sources can be billed for services.

Clients with income above federal poverty guidelines are charged on a sliding fee scale.

Appointments are required - call 352-527-0068.