AC360 offers COVID-19 Testing and sexual health wellness services for all members of our community across Chicago and Cook County Suburban, FREE and at little to no cost, including: HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis testing and treatment, PrEP/ nPEP access, wrap around support, and medication access services.

AC360 services

What is MPV?

MPV is a virus that causes a rare disease known as monkeypox.  Although the virus was first found in monkeys, MPV can be found in humans and in other animals as well. MPV has been causing illness among people for more than 50 years, primarily in countries of west and central Africa.

 What symptoms does MPV cause?

If you have MPV, you may experience symptoms like fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion and, very commonly, a rash that may look like blisters or pimples.  These are usually found on the face, inside of the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals and/or anus.  They typically last between 2-4 weeks and are considered very infectious.

When do symptoms of MPV appear?

Symptoms generally appear one to two weeks after infection, but the range can be anywhere from 5 to 21 days.  You may first experience symptoms like fever, intense headache, back pain and swelling of the lymph nodes, with rash appearing 1- 3 days after the appearance of fever. Symptoms may last from 2 to 4 weeks.

How does MPV spread?

• MPV spreads primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact during activities like sex, kissing, hugging, and cuddling.

• MPV can also spread if you touch items that have been in contact with rash or lesions of a person with MPV. These can include clothing, towels, bed sheets, eating/drinking utensils as well as personal items like toothbrushes and razors

• Very prolonged and intimate exposure (several hours) to respiratory droplets from a person with MPV may lead to infection if the person has lesions or rashes inside the mouth.

• A fetus can become infected with MPV through the placenta.

How can I protect myself from MPV?

In addition to avoiding skin-to-skin contact with a person with MPV or sharing/touching items that may have come into contact with the virus, (such as towels, sheets and clothing), wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if you believe you may have come into direct contact with the virus.  If you are caring for a person with MPV and are required to be in close contact with them, consider using a mask; the person with MPV should also be encouraged to wear one if they have any lesions inside their mouth and if they are around other people.  A person with MPV can also minimize the spread of the virus if they cover their lesions around others.

Can I be tested for MPV at a Health Center?

Yes. If you believe you may have contracted MPV and have active lesions, like blisters or pimples, please call The Resource Hub at 1-844-482-4040 to locate a MPV testing center and schedule a vaccine appointment. Results return within 2-3 days, so expect a call from your medical provider then. While you wait for results, isolate at home, and keep your lesions covered to avoid the virus from spreading on surfaces and to other people.

What do I do if I'm sick with monkeypox?

Isolate at home and, if you live with other people, stay in a separate room or area away from people or pets, if possible.  Consider using a mask if you must be in close proximity to other people and have any lesions inside your mouth.  Covering your lesions may also help to keep the virus off of items or surfaces that may be touched by others.

Can I be vaccinated against MPV?

Soon.  AC360 will launch a study to test Saliva for MPV Virus which can detect antibodies within 20 minutes.  There is a limited quantity of vaccine currently. Health care centers are prioritizing persons 18 years and older who has had close physical contact with a person with MPV or any person who is an intimate partner of a person who was diagnosed with MPV.  JYNNEOS requires two doses, with the 2nd dose administered approximately 28 days after the first. You may also be prioritized for vaccine if you're are a man (either cis or trans) who has sex with other men AND

• have intimate or sexual contact with multiple or anonymous partners (defined as two over a two-week period), OR

• have intimate or sexual contact with other men in a social or sexual venue, OR

• have given or received money or other goods/services in exchange for sex

Please note that at the moment, vaccine is not recommended for the general public, including men who have sex with other men and do not have any other risk factors.  This guidance may change as more vaccine becomes available.

free testing, no insurance needed

in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted communities across the globe, Alliance Care 360 has begun offering COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing to community members within the greater-Chicago area.

testing is conducted using a throat swab

recieve results within 2-3 days of your test

If your covid test is positive, BHC is here to help. Those with serious symptoms will be directed to immediate help, while asymptomatic patients will be encouraged to isolate or quarantine for 14 days.

Additional resources:

Official CDC COVID-19 guidelines and recommendations

Illinois COVID case tracker

Official CDC COVID-19 Vaccine Information

trusted care in a safe and private environment

primary HIV testing providers

When you know your status, you are helping reduce new transmittable sexual infections impacting our community, by expeditiously getting treated and periodically getting a checkup. 

so you have been tested, what’s next?

partners

HIV Testing Together for Partners:

Testing Together is where two or more persons who are in or planning to be in a sexual relationship receive their HIV testing results together.  Clients are required to sign a release of information to provide dual results.  The program is open to both heterosexual and same gender loving persons.

HIV Testing in Retail Pharmacies

Pharmacy-based HIV testing has proven to be a non-targeted, yet high-yield approach. The reason being? Pharmacies are both accessible and acceptable. Pharmacies can reach people no matter where they live, play, and work. Pharmacists are broadly trusted by community members, and people feel less stigmatized entering a pharmacy for an HIV test. HIV testing conducted in pharmacies by pharmacy staff allows people to get tested anytime during the pharmacy's hours of operation - making weekend and after-hours testing available and accessible. It is also a highly cost effective approach. BHC is currently partnering with both two community based pharmacies pilot this unique opportunity. M&R Pharmacy, in the South Shore Neighborhood and with Pilsen Wellness Pharmacy, in the Pilsen Neighborhoods of Chicago to increase testing access and expeditious access to PrEP and nPEP. To be launched January 2020.

Home-based HIV testing and counseling (HBHTC):

AC360 will soon launch our Home-Based HIV/STI Testing program in Suburban Cook County, Illinois. Targeting MSM of color residents in the South and West Suburbs. Home-based HIV testing and counselling (HBHTC) refers to HIV testing and counseling (HTC) services conducted by trained HTC service providers in someone’s home. The main purpose of HBHTC is to bring HTC services to individuals, overcoming some of the barriers of access to testing services and providing testing to persons who might not otherwise seek services. Using HBHTC can lead to decreased stigma in communities, facilitate early diagnosis for persons who are HIV-positive.

STI Services

It can be scary to get tested, but knowing your status gives you the power to make the best choices for your health. That’s why we offer free, non-judgmental HIV and Sexually Transmitted Disease/Infection (STD/STI) testing in English and Spanish at our sexual wellness clinic and off-site at several locations through our partners in greater Chicago

three main test types

WHAT WE TEST FOR

Chlamydia

Urine, Throat, and Rectal lab tests (Results in 3- 5 Business Days)

Trichomonas

Rapid Trichomonas (Trich) test - (Results in 20 Minutes)

Hepatitis C

Rapid Viral Hepatitis (HCV) - (blood test with Results in 20 Minutes)

Genital Herpes

AC360 tests for Genital Herpes - (blood test with results in 3 business days) for a fee of $30

Urinary Tract Infection

AC360 tests for Urinary Tract Infections - (Urine results in 3 business days) ***Insurance Required***

If your STI test is positive, AC360 staff will coordinate free treatment for certain STIs, either in house or through a community partner.

Accessing Test Results

After you complete your STI test, please register for a patient account at E Clinical Works

Upon completion of your registration, our clinical team will upload your protected results. Once uploaded you will receive a text notification to your mobile phone for review and follow up, if needed.

Additional Info

Genital herpes can come with symptoms or no symptoms. When tested, be sure to ask for a type-specific IgG test (not an IgM test). Herpes test are conducted through blood samples. It is recommenced to get tested as soon as you think you may have come into contact with someone.

Syphilis test is done through a finger prick blood test.

The CDC recommends all pregnant women and men who have sex with men be tested for syphilis

Trichomoniasis test is done by urethra or vagina Swab of infected area or sample of discharge. 

Trichomoniasis is harder to detect in men than in women.

HPV test is done through visual diagnosis, as warts can occur in both men and women.

HPV (cervical cancer)
How the test is done: If Pap test result is abnormal, HPV DNA test and a biopsy may be done
What you also need to know: Pap tests detect cervical cell changes, not HPV. An abnormal test is often caused by HPV infection. No test available for men for these types of HPV.

FAQs

Does AC360 perform PAP smears?

No

Who should get tested for STIs in general?

Sexually active men and women aged 18+

Men who have sex with men 16 years and older

Transgender and Gender non-conforming Women 16 years and older

Everyone sexually active with multiple high risk partners ages 13 to 64

medicine proven to ensure your safety and reduce risk of exposure

FAQ’s

What else do I need to do after taking PrEP?

Once PrEP is prescribed to you, you’ll need to return for blood work every one to three months. Our clinical staff will keep close track of any side effects, which are typically minor and not experienced by the majority of PrEP users.

How often should I take PrEP is prescribed?

PrEP should be taken daily.

Can I still get an STI while on PrEP?

PrEP does not protect against sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or syphilis, so you should continue using condoms to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have questions about PrEP, contact our friendly staff at 312-808-1044