HIV/AIDS
What is HIV/AIDS?
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
The Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Prevention and Control Program works to reduce the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases. By providing screening, testing, diagnosis and treatment for infected individuals, the STD program is fighting the war against sexually transmitted diseases one person at a time. Identifying and providing prophylactic treatment and counseling for sexual partners of confirmed cases is another task of the STD program. These roles coupled with increasing the level of public awareness to sexually transmitted diseases describe the role of the STD program within the Florida Department of Health in MIami-Dade County. The program's intervention help to protect infected individuals, their partners and unborn children from the serious complications that may result from untreated STDs.
For more information, click here. Appointments & walk-ins welcome.
To schedule an appointment in our STD clinic, please contact 305-575-3800, Press option #3 for clinic appointments.
STD Clinic - Health District Center STD Clinic - West Perrine Health Center
1350 NW 14th Street 18255 Homestead Avenue
Suite 212 Miami, FL 33157
Miami, FL 33125
Clinic Hours: Clinic Hours:
Monday – Friday* Tuesday - Friday**
8:00 am – 2:30 pm 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
*Clinic closes at 11:30 am every 1st & 3rd Friday
**Clinic closes at 12 Noon on 3rd Fridays
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy that involves the daily use of antiretroviral medications to reduce the risk of HIV infection in HIV-negative individuals. In July 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Truvada (TDF/FTC) for use as PrEP in HIV prevention in sexually active HIV-negative individuals. PrEP is used in conjunction with other prevention methods to reduce the risk of infection.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) involves taking antiretroviral medications as soon as possible after a potential exposure to HIV to reduce the likelihood of HIV infection. There are two types of PEP: 1) occupational PEP, or an exposure that happens in the workplace (such as a needle stick in a healthcare setting), and 2) non-occupational PEP (nPEP), or when someone is potentially exposed to HIV through sexual intercourse or injection drug use.
To be effective, PEP must begin with 72 hours of exposure and consists of 2-3 antiretroviral medications that must be taken for 28 days. A physician must determine what treatment is appropriate based on the nature of the exposure. Starting PEP after a potential exposure does not guarantee that someone exposed to HIV will not become infected.
- For a list of PrEP or PEP Providers in Miami-Dade County, click here.
- For more information on PrEP / PEP please visit, https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html.
- To learn more about PrEP (video format) please visit, http://www.whatisprep.org/.
It may be overwhelming to learn that you have been newly-diagnosed with HIV, but you are not alone. Although there is no cure for HIV, millions of people that are living with HIV continue to live healthy lives. It is difficult to determine how long it will take for individuals to develop symptoms associated with HIV because everyone reacts differently to the virus. There are effective treatments and lifestyle recommendations that can help keep the disease manageable and under control. When you initially learn that you have been diagnosed with HIV, it is important to adjust to the changes that may occur in your life. You may want to speak to someone you trust such as your family, friends, or seek counseling services that can help you cope with living with HIV. Close family members and friends can be a useful source of social support. Take your time and don’t feel pressured to disclose your HIV status right away to everyone. You can choose one or two people to tell the news first. You may also consider joining a local support group to talk about your experience and hear from others that are also living with HIV.
Educating yourself about HIV will help you understand how to stay healthy and how to prevent HIV from adversely affecting your health. It is important to find a doctor that specializes in HIV care that can give you expert advice on taking the necessary steps to live a healthy lifestyle. It is important that your doctor monitors your viral load and CD4 count. Do not be afraid to ask any questions you may have. Make sure you tell your doctor about any other health issues you have and any drug side affects you have experienced. You must follow your medical regimen as advised by your doctor including adhering to your medicine and lifestyle changes. It is also important to address your overall well-being including your physical, mental, social, and spiritual health.
You should discuss with your doctor about when you are ready to take medications that can help control the virus. Different treatments and medications are recommended according to your viral load and CD4 count. Your doctor may prescribe antiretroviral medicines which are powerful medicines that slow down the virus. A combination of three or more medicines called Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy or HAART may also be prescribed by your doctor. Your lifestyle and beliefs about medical treatment should be discussed, as many people living with HIV choose alternative therapies to help control the virus. Adherence to your medical plan is essential in maintaining your health.
People living with HIV may have an increased chance of developing other diseases due to a weakened immune system. These diseases are called opportunistic infections and can be caused by germs in our environment. People who are taking antiretroviral drugs or HAART may live long lives before they experience any opportunistic infections. Therefore, early detection and treatment of HIV is vital in staying healthy. You should tell your doctor immediately if you experience any changes in your health including problems breathing, loss in weight, rashes, fevers, oral health problems such as sores, dry mouth, and/ or loose teeth.
For more information, click here.
HIV Monthly Surveillance Report
Getting to Zero Task Force