MDHHS encourages Michiganders to get tested during National HIV Testing Day June 27

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages all Michiganders get tested and know their HIV status in support of National HIV Testing Day, Tuesday, June 27.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates about one in seven people with HIV in the U.S. don't know their status and need testing, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. One in four diagnosed in Michigan since 2021 were late-stage diagnoses, meaning they had been living with HIV for years without knowing. With proper testing to know your HIV status, prompt treatment of HIV exposures and ongoing preventive care, the CDC has found that more than 90% of new HIV cases in the U.S. could be prevented.

"There are many ways to test for HIV that can be a quick and easy addition to routine health care," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "Taking an HIV test is the only way to know if you have the virus, as symptoms may not develop for years. Testing allows you to keep yourself and your partners safe, and if you test positive, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible. Talk to your provider about risk factors and other options like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which can help reduce the chance of getting HIV. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is also an option for individuals who think they may have been recently exposed to HIV and is available in most emergency departments."

With proper treatment, those living with HIV can reach an undetectable status. Undetectable Equals Untransmittable (U=U) means that a person living with HIV who takes medicine as prescribed can achieve viral suppression, a state where the virus cannot be detected. Of those diagnosed with HIV in Michigan in 2023,81% received HIV care and 72% were virally suppressed. Reaching viral suppression ensures those living with HIV can live longer, healthier lives and prevent transmission to sexual partners.

Currently, the CDC recommends everyone ages 13 and older be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime as part of routine health care, and people who engage in condomless sex or injection drug use should get tested more often. Sexually active people who test negative for HIV are encouraged to ask their health care provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a medication that, when taken as prescribed, prevents a person from getting HIV if there is an exposure to the virus.

To learn more about HIV testing, treatment and ending HIV stigma, visit CDC.gov/HIV. Michigan offers many free or reduced-cost HIV testing and treatment resources across the state. To find HIV testing locations, treatment resources or other information, visit Michigan.gov/HIVSTI.

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