Highlights
When the first test for HIV became available in 1985, it was known how HIV was spread, but not how to treat it. Thirty years later, there are now three dozen medications to treat HIV. People at high risk for HIV infection can take 1 pill a day to prevent getting HIV. It is called pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP. Daily PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by more than 90%. For people who inject drugs, it reduces the risk by more than 70%. Learn about PrEP effectiveness at Virginia > AIDS Let’s talk About PrEP. Getting an…Read more
In Virginia, the leading causes of death for men are cancer and heart disease. Virginians can take action by encouraging men and boys to make health a priority. Men can become healthier by making healthy choices daily. Some steps to becoming healthier include: Going to annual doctor’s appointments and screenings. Quitting all tobacco use. Wearing sunscreen when outdoors. Getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Exercising at least 30 minutes every day. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables . These are just a few of the things that men and boys can do to stay healthy. During this…Read more
Before you take off for a Spring getaway, business trip, or family visit, there are some things you should know about Zika. Use these tips to plan ahead: Before your Summer trip: If you are pregnant, do not travel to an area with Zika. If you or your partner are trying to get pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before traveling to an area with Zika. Check the latest travel recommendations from the CDC During your Spring trip: Protect yourself from mosquito bites Keep mosquitoes outside by staying in places with air-conditioning and windows and doors, or use a bed net After…Read more
Latest from the Commissioner
Virginia's Plan for Well-Being
Learn about Virginia's Plan for Well-Being from State Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine. Help Virginia become the Healthiest State in the Nation. www.virginiawellbeing.com Read more
State Health Commissioner Comments on Opioid Addiction Declaration
These remarks were delivered on November 21, 2016 at 10am Good morning. This is Dr. Marissa Levine, Virginia State Health Commissioner here with key state agency colleagues for an important announcement about the opioid addiction crisis in Virginia. Thank you for joining us this morning. We are here today in the shadow of the Surgeon General’s…Read more