Your Health, Your Way
Healthy AF (And Fearless) is here to keep it real about sexual health. No shame. No judgment. Just facts, resources, and support. Stay informed. Stay Healthy AF.
HIV
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. HIV can be passed from one person to another through:
- sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral) that involves body fluids;
- sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment that may contain blood; or,
- pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
HIV is not passed through casual contact, such as hugging, shaking hands, kissing, or sharing drinks or food.
Get Tested
Many STIs, including HIV, don’t always have symptoms. That’s why testing matters. About 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have an STI. Whatever your result, you have options. Prevention works. Treatment works. Support is available.
Curious about your risk?
Find a Testing Location
Free or low-cost, confidential HIV and STI testing is available across South Dakota. Many locations offer walk-in testing, but calling ahead can help confirm hours and availability.
Free HIV Self-Test
Take control of your sexual health on your terms. The HIV self-test is safe, easy to use with a simple mouth swab, and gives results in about 20 minutes.
Why Self-Test?
- Know your status.
- Your schedule. Your choice.
>Heads up: Recent possible HIV exposures may not show up on the test right away. That’s why regular testing is important. If your result is negative, consider talking with a health care professional about HIV options that may be right for you. If your result is positive, you’ll need a lab test to confirm it.
Order a Free HIV Self-Test
Complete a confidential online form through the South Dakota Department of Health. You can take the test wherever you’re most comfortable. If you have questions about your results, trained professionals are available to provide support.
How to Use the HIV Self-Test
Before testing, review the ‘Instructions for Use’ included with the test kit. For additional guidance watch the instructional video.
Collect
Gently swab the flat pad along upper gums once and your lower gums once. Swab only the gums. Either side of the flat pad may be used.
Insert
Put the flat pad into the tube where indicated in the Test Stand. Push the flat pad all the way into the tube until it touches the bottom.
Read Results
The test window will turn pink for a few minutes. Do not read your results before 20 minutes have passed. Read the results between 20 and 40 minutes after starting the test. Do not read the results after 40 minutes.
HIV Prevention
Having other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can increase your risk of getting HIV. Many STIs have no symptoms, so getting tested is the only way to know for sure.
What is PrEP?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that people who don’t have HIV take before possible exposure to help prevent HIV. When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV.
PrEP doesn’t protect against other STIs, so regular testing and other prevention options are still important.
PrEP may be a good option for people who are sexually active or who may be exposed to HIV through sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment. It’s safe, effective, and generally well tolerated. Talk with a health care professional to learn whether PrEP may be right for you.
It’s safe, effective, and generally well tolerated. Talk with a health care professional to learn whether PrEP may be right for you. You can learn more about PrEP here.
Highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed.
Supports a proactive, empowered approach to sexual health.
Works alongside condoms, self-tests, and other prevention strategies.
Treatment
HIV treatment is highly effective. With ongoing care and treatment, HIV can be managed as a chronic health condition. Health centers across South Dakota can help people access HIV care, treatment, and support. Getting connected to care early can makes a big difference.
The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program helps people access HIV care, treatment, and support services. Part C, offered through Falls Community Health, helps make high-quality primary care more accessible. Part B helps people access medications and other support services.
For Providers
Clinical resources and practical tools to support HIV prevention and sexual health in your practice.
- South Dakota Department of Health HIV Resources, including how to report.
- National HIV Curriculum: Provides current information and education on HIV prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and care. Additional resources include medications, tools and calculators, symptom guides, podcasts, and mini-lectures.
- National HIV PrEP Curriculum: Provides education and resources to help health care professionals assess, initiate, and monitor HIV PrEP.
- Talk PrEP Provider Resources
- PrEP Toolkit
Keep it Healthy AF
No shame. No judgment. Just HIV facts, resources, and support. Stay informed. Stay Healthy AF.
Healthy AF is led by the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Health. Contact the HIV program manager or call 605-367-7202.
