2008 Woodie Awards
HIV tests give students answers
By: Edward Schutter
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: News
Kim Schiavi said many students have unnecessary issues of fear when it comes to HIV testing.
"It is a simple test," the health education secretary said. "I saw a movie where it showed a big needle. It is just a swab in your mouth."
Central Michigan University's Health Services gave free HIV tests to students Wednesday and Thursday in Foust Hall. Health Services encourages students to take a HIV test as well as taking other tests that detect sexually-transmitted diseases.
"We haven't diagnosed a case of HIV this year, but it is important to know where you stand," said Assistant Health Director Loretta Moran.
HIV tests can be done one of two ways - by taking blood or by using a cotton swab in the mouth. Health Services was offering the latter for the free tests.
The test takes about 10 minutes inside the office and another 15 to 20 minutes waiting and filling out information.
Faculty and students stressed the importance of taking the HIV test. Ithaca senior David Schoenborn said students need to take it upon themselves to get tested.
"It is their social responsibility as students to know if they have STDs, such as HIV," he said.
Many people are not aware of the medications that are available to them after being diagnosed with a STD, Schiavi said.
HIV tests cost $17 at Health Services. Students need to make an appointment ahead of time and the test should not take longer than 10 to 15 minutes. It takes approximately one week to receive results.
Schiavi said once people get over the fear of taking the test, a lot of great things can help them.
"There are so many medications available now," she said. "There are a lot of things out there that can help them live normal lives."
news@cm-life.com
"It is a simple test," the health education secretary said. "I saw a movie where it showed a big needle. It is just a swab in your mouth."
Central Michigan University's Health Services gave free HIV tests to students Wednesday and Thursday in Foust Hall. Health Services encourages students to take a HIV test as well as taking other tests that detect sexually-transmitted diseases.
"We haven't diagnosed a case of HIV this year, but it is important to know where you stand," said Assistant Health Director Loretta Moran.
HIV tests can be done one of two ways - by taking blood or by using a cotton swab in the mouth. Health Services was offering the latter for the free tests.
The test takes about 10 minutes inside the office and another 15 to 20 minutes waiting and filling out information.
Faculty and students stressed the importance of taking the HIV test. Ithaca senior David Schoenborn said students need to take it upon themselves to get tested.
"It is their social responsibility as students to know if they have STDs, such as HIV," he said.
Many people are not aware of the medications that are available to them after being diagnosed with a STD, Schiavi said.
HIV tests cost $17 at Health Services. Students need to make an appointment ahead of time and the test should not take longer than 10 to 15 minutes. It takes approximately one week to receive results.
Schiavi said once people get over the fear of taking the test, a lot of great things can help them.
"There are so many medications available now," she said. "There are a lot of things out there that can help them live normal lives."
news@cm-life.com
Be the first to comment on this story