STDs, HIV/AIDS

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDS) are contracted from unprotected sex. They include gonorrhea, Chlamydia, syphilis, herpes and genital warts. Whether you are a male or female you may have an STD and not even know it. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) can be contracted primarily in three ways: unprotected sex with an infected partner, sharing dirty needles, and from mother to unborn child. HIV is the virus that leads to AIDS. People can have HIV but not test positive for it right away. People with HIV may not develop AIDS until years later. Important to know you can not get HIV by hugging, drinking out of a shared glass, or using a community toilet. HIV destroys a person's immune system so that it cannot fight off other diseases, viruses and bacteria. When HIV develops into AIDS, people die from infections or diseases such as pneumonia because of their weak immune system.

Confidential testing and counseling at:

San Juan County Health at 378-4474.

Harborview STD Clinic, 1-206-296-4699

Health Information Network, 1-206-784-5655

Seattle Gay Clinic, 1-206-299-1623

WA State AIDS Hotline, 1-800-272-2437

Call us, we can help.

It's free and confidential.

Teen Advocate

County-Wide (360) 376-5979

24 Hour Crisis Line

Orcas Island (360) 376-1234

San Juan Island (360) 378-2345

Lopez Island (360) 468-4567