Communicable Disease
Frequently Asked Questions

Immunization FAQs

Do you give physicals?

Routine health exams are available only to children through the Child Health (Medicaid/Health Choice) and Community Health (KHA/Well Baby) divisions.  Physical exams to screen for STDs are available by appointment.

How can I obtain a copy of my own or my child’s immunization record?

Records are available for patients who have received immunization services at the Health Department including prior immunization information if provided.  Come to the Health Department and request a copy.  There is a minimal fee if a copy has been issued previously.  You must bring ID.  If you are out-of-town, send a written request for your copy.

What is the best time to come in for TB skin testing (PPDs) or immunizations so I won’t have to wait long?

PPDs are offered Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Immunizations are provided Monday and Friday 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Staff will provide services as quickly as possible.  The usual waiting time is 15 to 30 minutes.

Do you administer travel vaccines?

No, please refer to other medical provider.

What are the charges for vaccines such as MMR, meningococcal, Hep A and B, etc.?

Charges are based on cost of vaccine.  Call for current charges.

How much do immunizations cost at the Health Department?

There is no fee for required childhood vaccines.  Adult tetanus/diphtheria is free to eligible individuals.  Occupational and personal-choice vaccines are available for a fee.  No administration fee is charged.

What do I need to bring to receive services from the Health Department?

An ID is needed for most Health Department services.  Please bring any immunization records you have with you.  If you have to pay for a service, the Health Department accepts checks, cash, VISA, MasterCard, or a debit card.

HIV FAQs

How long does it take for HIV to appear?

Most people’s bodies will make antibodies to HIV, detectable by a blood test within 6 to 12 weeks after infection.  It may take 8-10 years between when a person is infected with HIV and when they start to show signs and symptoms of illness. 

What are the signs of HIV?

Signs and symptoms of HIV may include:

• Unexplained tiredness

• Unexplained weight loss greater than 10 pounds

• Persistent fever or night sweats

• Frequent diarrhea

• White spots on the tongue or inside the mouth (thrush)

• Swollen glands usually in the neck, armpits or groin

• Dry cough not caused by cold or flu

• Pink, blue or purple blotches on the skin, inside the mouth, nose, eyelids or rectum

• Chronic vaginal yeast infections

• Persistent PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)

Is oral sex safe?

When the risk of HIV transmission is considered for all sexual behaviors, oral sex is a lower risk behavior as long as no genital lesions are present and the provider has good oral health.  However, oral sex is not without risk.  A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study released in 2000 found that among 102 study participants recently infected with HIV, 8 people gave a history of oral sex as their only risk behavior.  That translates into a 7.8% infection rate by oral transmission. 

How many people in New Hanover County have HIV?

As of May 31, 2002, a total of 594 people have been reported to the Health Department as having HIV or AIDS.  For current statistics you may contact the Health Department at 798-6653.

Would my insurance be billed for an HIV test?

No.

What days is HIV testing done at the Health Department?

HIV testing is by appointment.

What is the charge for HIV testing? 

HIV testing is free.

How long does it take to get the results back?

Two weeks.

Does the Health Department do anonymous HIV testing?

No, all testing is confidential.

Why is there no longer anonymous testing done at your facility?

State law requires confidential testing and prohibits anonymous testing.

Will I be able to get a copy of my test results?

Yes, the Health Department will release a copy of your results to you after you sign a release of information form. 

STD FAQs

Does the Health Department do a Pap test every time a female exam is done?

Paps are recommended annually, and are not done with every female exam unless indicated.

What tests are performed during an STD exam?

Gonorrhea, urethritis, vaginitis, syphilis, and chlamydia in females.  If symptomatic, herpes and condyloma.  HIV testing is recommended.

How much does an STD exam cost?

STD services and HIV testing are provided at no cost to the patient.

What are the symptoms of an STD?

Some STDs have no symptoms.  Some common symptoms usually noticed are unusual bumps, sores, burning upon urination, and vaginal or penile discharge.  Lower abdominal pain in females and painful sex.

Surveillance FAQs

Can I get tested for Hepatitis C at New Hanover County Health Department?

No, we do not provide testing for Hepatitis C.

Why does New Hanover County Health Department do surveillance with specific diseases?

There are North Carolina communicable disease laws and rules that must be followed.  By conducting surveillance of specific diseases, the Health Department can provide early outbreak control to minimize further transmission of disease.  One of the major purposes of disease recognition and reporting is to provide timely and thorough information to the public health community so that adequate interventions can be implemented.

What are the most common reportable diseases in New Hanover County?

Salmonella, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, Hepatitis B (chronic carrier), HIV infection, AIDS, and syphilis are the most common reportable diseases in New Hanover County.

How does New Hanover County Health Department find out about certain diseases?

According to North Carolina Communicable Disease statutes, physicians, medical facilities, laboratories, restaurants, and school principals or child-care facilities are required to report any suspicious or confirmed report of a communicable disease to the Health Department.   

Tuberculosis FAQs

Where do I come for a TB test?

New Hanover County Health Department.

What is the charge for TB skin testing?

$10.00.

Where is the Health Department located?

2029 S. 17th Street, the next driveway from the main hospital entrance (New Hanover Regional Medical Center).

When will the TB skin test be read?

Within 48 to 96 hours.

Can I get a TB test for my job?

Yes, they are done Monday through Friday from 8:15 am to 4:30 pm.  There is a $10.00 fee.

Can you fax my TB skin test results to my employer?

You must come in to get copies of medical information.

What does a positive TB test mean?

A positive test indicates exposure to the TB germ.  It does not mean active disease or infectiousness.  Further tests are indicated.

How, when, and where did I get exposed to TB? 

TB is spread through the air (NOT from sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses or cups, or sharing cigarettes) from one person to another.  TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs coughs or sneezes.  People nearby may breathe in the bacteria and become infected. 

Can I give tuberculosis to my family, friends, or coworkers?  Do I have to stay away from people?

Even if you have TB infection, TB germs cannot be spread to others.  However, if it is determined that you have TB disease, there is a chance that others could have been infected.  It is important to get a medical evaluation and chest x-ray.

How can I have the tuberculosis germ inside my body? 

With TB infection, there are no symptoms and the bacteria can live in a person’s lungs for years, even decades.  Someone in the early stages of TB disease also may not have symptoms.

Can I be cured of tuberculosis disease?

Yes, TB is curable when treated with appropriate medication.

What is the difference between preventive treatment and treatment for disease?

Taking medication will keep the bacteria from becoming active and causing disease.  A 6 to 9 month course of medication greatly reduces the lifetime risk of TB disease.