In the past two years HIV has significantly risen in Kern County. However, there are ways to protect yourself. It’s important to get tested if you are sexually active and there are many places where you could for free. The Bakersfield AIDs Projects and Kern County Public Health offers free testing.

“Over the past two years more than 200 people have been diagnosed with HIV each year,” says Kimberly Hernandez the Division’s Director of Health Services for the Kern County Health Department on the health services website which there is more information on there if you have further questions.

The best tips to prevent HIV is using condoms every time you have sex, being aware of the who your partners is also one of the most effective ways, being abstinence helps you be clear of all the sexually active diseases. For any reason there is a possibility that you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours. Go to urgent care right away or go to an emergency room doctor where they can see you right away.

The website of The Kern County health department has also stated that “We have more than 2,500 people in Kern County who’ve been diagnosed with HIV, and many of them are living very healthy, productive lives, so we are really encouraged by that.”

On the BC campus there are many resources for the students in the wellness center. They offer free condoms at the Health Resource Center; you can also book appointments to talk to a registered nurse and a mental health counselor for any concerns or questions you may have.

It’s important to look out for certain symptoms like fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes feeling abnormally tired because usually after 2-4 weeks you start to experience that once you have been infected by HIV. There is treatment available for those who happen to be positive and there are clinics who offer free testing with appointments, or you can walk-ins too.