Health

HIV Testing- The Entryway to Treatment & Support

James
HIV Testing

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a severe condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its severity, advancements in medical science have made it possible for individuals living with HIV to lead long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. The cornerstone of this success is HIV testing, which serves as the critical entryway to treatment and support. This blog post will delve into the importance of HIV testing, its benefits, and who should get tested.

What Is HIV?

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a virus that remains in the body for a whole life and attacks the body’s immune system. White blood cells of the body are targeted by HIV, making the immune system weak.

Your body is protected from infection because of white blood cells. As HIV targets white blood cells, it becomes easy to get sick and become the target of diseases like infections, tuberculosis, and some cancers.

Symptoms of HIV

The stage of infection decides the symptoms of HIV.

Early Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Mouth Ulcers
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea

HIV symptoms cannot be there for many years, but they can continue to damage the immune system. During this time, noticeable symptoms are as follows.

  • Excessive sweating while sleeping
  • Skin problems like rashes
  • Weight loss
  • Chronic infection

How HIV Spreads?

Specific body fluid exchange from an infected person to a healthy person’s body can lead to HIV. These fluids can be:

  • Blood
  • Breast Milk
  • Vaginal Fluids
  • Semen
  • From mother to her baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

HIV cannot spread through kissing, hugging, spitting, coughing or sneezing. It is also not spread by air. The most common ways by which HIV spreads are vaginal or anal sex, sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment.

HIV Treatment

HIV cannot be cured, but it does not mean that you have to live a difficult life. It can be treated with the use of antiretroviral drugs. This stops HIV from making replicas.

Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) does not cure HIV, it makes our immune system stronger. This helps in fighting the infections.

The amount of virus in a person’s body gets lower with the help of ART. This stops symptoms and allows a person to live a healthy life. People who take ART and have no evidence of the virus in their blood will not spread the virus to their sexual partners.

Prevention

You can prevent HIV infection by:

  • Get tested for HIV.
  • Using a male or female condom during sex.
  • Use harm reduction services.

Medicine and medical devices that doctors may suggest to prevent HIV infection are:

  • Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs)
  • Injectable long-acting cabotegravir
  • Dapivirine vaginal rings

Mothers can be suggested to use ARVs to prevent passing HIV to their children.

Why Is HIV Testing Important?

HIV testing is the only way to determine if you have the virus. Since symptoms of HIV can take years to manifest, it is crucial to get tested even if you feel that knowing your HIV status is vital for several reasons:

  • Early Detection and Treatment: Early detection allows prompt treatment, significantly improving health outcomes. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress the virus, enabling individuals to live everyday lives.
  • Prevention: Understanding your HIV status helps you take steps to prevent the spread of the virus to others. This includes using protection during sexual activities and avoiding needle sharing.
  • Peace of Mind: Getting tested can alleviate anxiety and provide peace of mind, whether the result is positive or negative.

Benefits of HIV Testing

The benefits of HIV testing are multifaceted:

  • Fast and Easy: HIV tests are quick and straightforward, often providing results within 20 minutes. They are also generally free
  • Healthier Life: If you test positive, you can start treatment immediately, leading to a long and healthy life.
  • Protection of Partners: Knowing your status allows you to protect your current and future partners by taking necessary precautions.
  • Community Health: Routine HIV testing can lead to a better understanding of epidemic trends, enabling more effective public health strategies.

Who Should Get Tested?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. However, certain groups should get tested more frequently:

  • Sexually Active Individuals: Those with multiple sex partners or whose partners’ HIV status is unknown should get tested regularly, ideally every 3 to 6 months.
  • High-Risk Groups: This includes men who have sex with men, individuals who inject drugs and share needles, and those who have been diagnosed with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • Pregnant Women: All pregnant women should be tested for HIV as part of prenatal care to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
  • Exposure Risks: Anyone who has been sexually assaulted or has had a high-risk exposure to HIV should consider post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and get tested.

The Process of HIV Testing

HIV testing and counseling (HTC) is a comprehensive service designed to inform individuals about their HIV status and its implications:

  • Voluntary and Confidential: Testing should always be voluntary and confidential, ensuring that individuals feel safe and respected.
  • Pretest and Posttest Counseling: Both pretest and posttest counseling are essential to help individuals understand their results and the next steps.
  • Rapid Tests: Rapid tests are simple, quick, and reliable, providing results within 20 minutes. They are instrumental in reducing anxiety and ensuring follow-up.

Outcomes of Routine HIV Testing

Routine HIV testing has been associated with several positive outcomes:

  • Reduced Late Diagnoses: Routine testing can lower the likelihood of late HIV diagnoses by up to 80%, significantly improving health outcomes.
  • Lower Mortality: It can also reduce HIV-related mortality by 37% and decrease the incidence of HIV transmission.
  • Community Impact: By identifying and treating more individuals, routine testing can improve public health planning and response.

From Where Can I Get Support If I Am An HIV Patient?

HIV is a virus that can not only bring physical but also mental tensions. We know that at this time, a person wants special care and attention. You can get help from various resources if you are living with HIV:

  • NGOs

Here are non-government organizations (NGOs) that provide support to people living with HIV. They will work with patients by providing housing, medications, food, and education.

  • Hotlines

Hotlines can provide practical advice or emotional support. Search online for the same.

  • Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

CBOs can connect with patients with support groups and case managers. CBOs are also known as AIDS Service Organisations (ASOs).

You can find more information about these resources online and can do your valid research on them. You will find these helpful as they will try to help you emotionally to deal with HIV. Some well-known NGOs provide the best support to the patients and take proper care of their patients.

Conclusion

We know HIV can bring emotional disability and can tense you regarding the treatment. Don’t get too tense because specific treatments can extend your life span and can stop this virus from spreading at some point.

You can go through with testing, and it is essential to detect HIV as early as possible. To detect diseases spread sexually can be detected with the help of STD testing. Do not delay this, as it is about you and your loved ones.