HIV
Signature Health offers free, confidential HIV screening to both current patients and non-patients ages 13 and older. The test can be scheduled or walk-in. It is a simple finger prick and results are given in approximately 30 minutes. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call 440-578-8210.
While your test is running your HIV screening counselor will talk with you about your risk and help you come up with a plan to stay healthy
What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV can hurt your immune system and make you likely to get other infections. The key is understanding risk and prevention, how and when to detect HIV, and treatment options. Signature Health can help in any stage of the process.
How do people get HIV?
In the United States, HIV is usually spread by:
- Having anal or vaginal sex without a condom
- Sharing needles or syringes, rinse water, or other equipment (works) used to prepare drugs for injection. HIV can live in a used needle for up to 42 days.
For more information about how HIV is transmitted, visit https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html.
Who should get tested for HIV?
CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. For people with certain risk factors, CDC recommends getting tested at least once a year.
You should get tested at least once a year if:
- You’re a man who has had sex with another man.
- You’ve had anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV.
- You’ve had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test.
- You’ve shared needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers).
- You’ve exchanged sex for drugs or money.
- You’ve been diagnosed with or treated for another sexually transmitted disease.
- You’ve been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis or tuberculosis (TB).
- You’ve had sex with someone who has done anything listed above or with someone whose sexual history you don’t know.
Signs and Symptoms of HIV
The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested. Knowing your status is the most important thing you can do. At Signature Health, we offer free, confidential HIV screening every day of the week. For more details, visit www.signaturefreetest.org. You can also call 440-578-8210.
Some people may have a flu-like illness within two to four weeks after contracting HIV. Other individuals may not feel sick during this stage.
Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Rash
- Night sweats
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth ulcers
What you need to know
Symptoms may last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Most people will not have symptoms, however, so testing is important.
If you have HIV, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible. Treatment can keep you healthy for life and prevent the spread of HIV.
If you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to HIV, see your health care provider and let them know. You may also stop by any Signature Health location for a free screening.
HIV Prevention
There are tools available to prevent HIV.
According to the CDC, you can use strategies such as; abstinence (not having sex), limiting your number of sexual partners, never sharing needles, and using condoms the right way every time you have sex.
You may also use HIV prevention medicines.
These medicines include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Signature Health offers both of these prevention medications.
To learn more about each, visit
HIV Screening and Treatment
You do not need an appointment for an HIV screening. Simply let the front desk know you would like a “free screening” and you’ll be helped accordingly.
For walk-in screening hours, visit www.signaturefreetest.org.
If you have any questions or want to schedule a screening directly, please call 440-578-8210.
If your test comes back positive, Signature Health can provide follow-up care and continued treatment for you. We’ll help you manage HIV and live a healthy life. If your test comes back negative, we can provide additional options and resources to keep you negative.
Both current patients and non-patients may receive HIV screening at Signature Health.
HIV screening is free, confidential, and fast. The test is a quick finger stick and the entire process takes approximately 30 minutes or less. While your test is running your HIV test counselor will talk with you about your risk and help you come up with a plan to stay healthy.