HIV Specialty Care

Approximately 40.8 million people are living with HIV worldwide, with 1.3 million new infections occurring annually. At I40First in Amarillo, Texas, primary care providers Julito Uy, MD, George Peterson, DNP, FNP-C, Susan Bailey, FNP-C and the team offer safe and effective HIV treatment options to teens and adults. To make an appointment, call the office or click the online booking feature today. Help us end the HIV epidemic!

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV damages the immune system, that part of the body that fights infection. Over time, the immune system becomes so weak that diseases and infections begin to attack the body. As these conditions worsen, a person is diagnosed with AIDS.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Symptoms of an early HIV infection are like the flu. A person might have fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or mouth ulcers. Many people who get HIV do not have any symptoms. People may not have symptoms until HIV has caused AIDS. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested.

How to prevent HIV infection

The only sure way to avoid HIV and other STDs is to not have sex or use IV drugs. If you have sex, you can use latex condoms to reduce your risk. When used the right way, condoms can reduce the spread of HIV by preventing contact with semen, vaginal fluids, and blood. It is a good idea to use condoms unless tests show you and your partner do not have HIV or other STDs.

Should you get tested for HIV?

You should get tested if you have had sex or shared needles with someone who has HIV or whose HIV status is unknown. About 1 in 8 people who have HIV do not know it. HIV tests are so common now that doctors recommend everyone get tested at least once in his or her life. Get tested more often if you are at risk for HIV.

What is PrEP and PEP?

If you are at increased risk of getting HIV, talk to a provider about PrEP. PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, it involves taking anti-HIV medication by pill daily, or by an injection every two months to prevent HIV if you are exposed to it. Taking PrEP, along with safe sexual practice can greatly lower your risk of becoming HIV-positive. PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. It involves taking an emergency anti-HIV medicine within 72 hours of being exposed to HIV to prevent infection. If you think you’ve been recently exposed to HIV through sex, needle stick, or if you’ve been sexually assaulted, talk to your health care provider or an emergency room doctor about PEP right away.

Services we offer

• HIV + Hepatitis Screening - $49
• HIV + Hepatitis screening + Provider visit - $99
• PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) Provider visit, labs, and prescription to pharmacy - $99
• PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis) Provider visit, labs, and prescription to pharmacy - $99
• HIV Treatment services available