STD/HIV/HCV Program

About Our Program

If you are sexually active, or planning to be, getting tested is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the health of you and your partner. The ONLY way to know for sure if you or someone else has a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), or Hepatitis C (HCV) is to get tested. 

The goal of our program is to prevent, treat, and/or control the spread of STDs, HIV, and HCV to protect the health of the community.

What Causes STDs, HIV, and HCV?

• Most commonly spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
• Skin-to-skin genital contact can also spread STDs.
• STDs are not caused by casual contact like hugging, holding hands, or toilet seats.
• Infections such as HIV and HCV can spread through non-sexual routes such as drug and medical device sharing. 

Signs and Symptoms

Many people who have an STD experience little or no symptoms. Others may experience:

• Pain 
• Swelling 
• Unusual bumps, sores, or rashes
• Itching and/or burning
• Pain or burning when you pee
• Discharge and/or blood from the genitals

Prevention Strategies

• The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have sex (i.e., anal, vaginal, or oral).
• Engaging in safer sex, including using condoms or dental dams. Correct and consistent use of condoms every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex can decrease your risk of infection.  
• Reducing your number of sexual partners can decrease your risk of infection.
• Staying up to date on vaccines is a safe and effective way to prevent Hepatitis A/B and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
• Do not share syringes, drug preparation items, or medical devices with others.
• Talk openly with your partner(s) about sexual health!

Testing

Available Testing & Cost of Services

*Testing fees are based on a set of criteria. Some clients will have no fees. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

HIV In-Home Testing

We are partnering with the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Community Health Institute (CHI) to expand support for HIV testing by offering in-home HIV test kits.

Accessing an in-home HIV test kit is simple and free of cost. To receive a kit, call Nashua DPHCS Public Health Nurse, Sascha Potzka, at 603-682-2885. After a brief intake via phone call, an in-home HIV test kit will be mailed to eligible individuals in confidential and discreet packaging. The initial test result is available within 20 minutes of taking the test. If the test result is positive, the individual is encouraged to call the Nashua DPHCS back for confirmatory testing and follow up.

Spread the Word! Download and share the following resources:

• HIV In-Home Testing Flyer (English / Spanish)
• HIV In-Home Testing Social Media Graphic (English / Spanish)

Treatment

Available Treatment

Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes, Syphilis, BV, Non-Gonococcal Urethritis, Trichomoniasis, Chancroid, and Genital Warts.

Reminders!

• Be sure to talk to a healthcare provider to complete the course of recommended treatment. 
• Inform your sexual partner(s) of any positive test results so they can get tested and properly treated.
• Do NOT resume sexual activities until a healthcare provider says its okay.
• Talk openly with your partner(s) about sexual health!

Mobile Clinic

Our Community Health Team is currently providing STD/HIV/HCV services utilizing our mobile outreach van. Click here for an up-to-date schedule.

NewsFlash

HIV and COVID-19

Although the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 for people living with HIV is not known, we do know that older adults and people who are immunocompromised may be at higher risk. The risk for individuals with HIV getting very sick with COVID-19 is greatest in people with a low CD4 cell count and people not on HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy or ART). As we continue to get through this pandemic together, we recommend:

• People with HIV take everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of the virus. 
• People with HIV who take HIV medicine should continue treatment and follow advice from their healthcare provider.
• People who might be at risk for HIV should get tested. Testing is the first step in maintaining a healthy life and reducing the spread of HIV. 
• All individuals should maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy, getting 8 hours of sleep, and reaching out for help if needed.

Everyone with HIV benefits from getting early diagnosis and treatment because it allows them to live long, healthy lives and have no risk of sexually transmitting HIV to others. Please use the CDC locator below to find an HIV testing location near you. To learn more about HIV and COVID-19, visit the CDC.