Who should get HIV testing

With the increase in awareness about HIV and how it has been damaging the health most of the people are concerned about the disease. However, HIV testing is not considered a good thing in the society due to which people often ignore it. There are many individuals that are planning to get tested but they are not visiting the hospital because of their personal reasons. Everyone does not need to have HIV testing. Here are some of the common reason when you should get tested.

Doing sex for money or drugs

N this age of technology most of the people are indulged in online dating. When the things get too serious they want to meet in person. There are also some dating sites that are only developed for sex. There are many individuals that go on those sites to buy individuals to have sex with. If you are one of those who is doing sex for money or drugs HIV testing is very important for you. As you are doing it for money so you will not get a chance to say no to the person and you will not know whether he is HIV positive or not. The only way to protect yourself is through HIV testing.

Not knowing the status of your partner

It has been noticed that most of the people never ask their partners about their HIV status.

  • Partners will behave like they have been insulted when such questions are asked
  • You should make it clear before dating that HIV testing is important
  • If you ate done with sex and this question came to your mind it is better that you get the tests done
  • It is important if you have been sexually assaulted against your will. Your harasser might be HIV positive.

You have other STDs or hepatitis

There are many individuals that are suffering from STD and hepatitis B. You should know that these diseases are also considered the symptoms of HIV. The immune system is weak and a wrong step will lead to the development of the disease that you would never know about. So make sure that you get yourself tested. It has been noticed that most of the people have more than two types of STDs and they never noticed. When diagnosed it was found that the cause of STD was not their partner but having sex with someone who was HIV positive.

Bottom line

In case that you are confused that you might have been exposed to HIV, it is important that you get HIV PEP with the HIV testing. The benefit of this combination is that you will get the diagnosis whether you have the antibodies in your system or not. As well as it will give you the chance to stop the virus before it can take control over your body. It will help you to protect yourself from the entire HIV treatment that can be expensive and might lead to your death.

What is the importance of STD Testing

Over the past few years, the number of individuals suffering from the STDs is rapidly increasing the common cause of this issue is having more than one sexual partner, not using protection during sex and getting a blood transfusion from the diseased individuals. It has been noticed that most of the people do not even know whether they have STDs or not but they have noticed some of the symptoms in their body. It is important that you get the STD Testing because it will provide you the following benefits.

Protect you from dangers of not testing

There are many issues that are related to not participating in the STD Testing, for most of the diseases the possible treatments are available. The only issue is that the disease is diagnosed in the early stages. In case that the diagnosis was done at the last stage the chance of positive effects of the treatment will be decreased. There are some individuals that are scared of getting themselves tested. This is the reason that they are often stressed because they do not know whether they are suffering from the issue or not. Getting the STD Testing will provide you the peace of mind that you are safe.

Improve quality of life

The biggest benefit of STD Testing is that it will help you to improve your quality of life. When you will visit the doctor’s office for testing he will provide you certain advice once your test reports are clear

  • He will teach you all the technique that you can use to protect yourself from deadly diseases
  • With the help of STD Testing, you will learn about the different disease that can get transmitted through this route.
  • It will provide you the knowledge that you need to improve your quality of life.

Save your children

One of the most important benefits that you should consider regarding STD Testing is the protection of your children. When you are suffering from the STD, there are chances that the disease will be transmitted to the baby. In case that baby is born through the vaginal route, there are chances that the disease might affect his eyes and other parts of the body. When you will get the treatment on time it will allow you to protect your little ones. It is your responsibility to improve the quality of life of your children.

Bottom line

It is important that we start with educating the public. It is a common problem in the developed countries. Even after the proper sex education, people are not ready to stop having sex because it gives them the required pleasure. However, they should understand that there is no use of risking their lives for the pleasure of 5 to 20 minutes. It is important that every individual should learn to your production so that you can have your desires fulfilled and at the same time you will not have to worry about STD or STD Testing.

What is HIV PEP and how it works

Just like cancer, scientists are actively working to find the treatment of HIV. Even after primary prevention techniques, the spread of the disease has not been controlled properly that is not a good sign. With years of research and testing, scientists have been able to develop HIV PEP. It is also a type of primary prevention medication. Here we have everything you need to know about the mediation.

HIV PEP

PEP is the abbreviation for post-exposure prophylaxis. Prophylaxis means the prevention against the disease or infection. In the HIV PEP, the patient is given certain antiretroviral medications also known as ARV right after the possible exposure to HIV. It helps to prevent a person from becoming infected with HIV.

There are two types of HIV PEP

  • HIV oPEP called the occupational post-exposure prophylaxis
  • HIV nPEP known as the non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis.

HIV oPEP is the treatment used for the healthcare workers. They are often exposed to HIV because of needle injury or other issues. It is the simplest form of exposure that happens these days.

In case of HIV nPEP, it is the HIV that the person takes because of the reason outside of work. It commonly happens in the people that are not related to the healthcare profession. The common reason is the utilization of non-sterilized injections and instruments and sex.

How does HIV PEP works

It is important for the individuals to understand that how HIV PEP works. There are certain drugs in the treatment and your health care professional will prepare a proper treatment plan for you.

  • The patient has to take 3 or more ARV medicines
  • The duration of HIV PEP is almost 28 days
  • You will have to visit your health care provider a few times during and after the PEP
  • It is important that you complete your HIV testing after the PEP to find out the results

HIV PEP will stop the replication of the virus in your body before it can start affecting your immune system. Make sure that you get HIV PEP as soon as you think that you have the chances of development of the disease.

What to do if the virus has been established

The HIV virus takes a few days to establish in the human body and the HIV PEP has to be given before the virus has taken control over the DNA replication system of the body. In case you think that it has been a few days since you were exposed to HIV it is important that you visit the emergency of the HIV department of the hospital. The professional will conduct your tests to find out whether you suffering from the disease or not.

In case you are HIV positive, they will immediately start the treatment to assure that the virus is controlled and removed from your body before it can cause any severe damage. Remember that early diagnosis is the key because it can increase the chances of positive outcomes.

What are the benefits of having HIV PEP

HIV PEP is an innovational treatment that is raising many questions. Most of the people want to know that why scientists are paying more attention to HIV PEP as compared to proper treatment for the disease. You should know that primary prevention is very important because it can save you. If you are confused regarding the application of HIV PEP, here we have some of the common benefits that you can get from the treatment method.

Protect you from deadly outcomes of HIV

The biggest benefit of HIV PEP is that it will protect you from the deadly outcomes that come once HIV has established in your body. You should know that when you will control the virus before it has established even a single cell of the immune system will not be affected. In this way, your body will not attack its own cells. There are chances that you were not exposed to HIV but having the HIV PEP before the testing will give you the peace of mind that HIV cannot control your body before you can have the tests done. Remember that HV testing can be done once the development of antibodies starts in the body.

It might be covered by insurance

Most of the deadly diseases like HIV, cancer and many others are not covered by insurance because the treatment is long-term. However, HIV PEP takes the time of 28 days. It is often covered by the health insurance which means that you will not have to pay a penny for the treatment. However, it is important that you ask your insurance provider about the coverage for HIV PEP. It is important or the healthcare service provider because their chance of being exposed to HIV is the highest. They are always working with the people suffering from AIDS.

Saves time and money

One of the biggest benefits of HIV PEP is that it will help you to save your time and money.

  • The complete HIV treatment is very expensive which means that if you will control the issue before it is established you will save a decent amount of money
  • The treatment of HIV is very long-term and you might have to leave your job for the proper treatment. With HIV PEP you will no have to deal with such issues
  • There are no limitations to HIV PEP because you can have it as many times as you want

Bottom line

It is important that you consult a doctor regarding your condition because he will provide you the best guideline. He will show you how you can decrease your exposure to the virus. Being a healthcare professional working in the HIV department you should take extra care and consider having HIV PEP as many times as possible. You never know when and where your body might get exposed to HIV PEP. As soon as you think that you are exposed to HIV make sure that you take the primary prevention before testing because waiting for test results might give virus the chance to properly establish.

What are the most common types of HIV testing

HIV testing is very important these days. If you are planning to have a secure future it is important that you get yourself tested. As soon as you think that your body has been exposed to the HIV it is important that you visit your nearest lab and get the tests done. It has been noticed that there are different types of HIV testing available. Here are a few types you should consider.

Rapid test for HIV

It is valuable for routine testing or potentially on the off chance that you would prefer not to sit tight a few days for the outcomes. The Rapid test for HIV recognizes antibodies for HIV in the blood. Commonly folks (around 90%) will grow enough antibodies of HIV to be distinguished three to a month after disease.

  • This Rapid test for HIV gives you an outcome shortly, dispensing with the worry of sitting tight seven days for comes about.
  • This Rapid exam utilizes a blood example taken by jabbing the finger with pin like spear and after that illustration some of your blood into plastic tube.
  • This Rapid test is similarly as exact as the Standard test for HIV.
  • On the off chance that you test negative, at that point you don’t require a further test.
  • On the off chance that you are sure, at that point you will require a anymore blood test utilizing an example that should be sent to a lab.

The Early test for HIV

The test is helpful in the event that you’ve had a current hazard occurrence (vaginal or anal intercourse without a protection of condom with somebody whose status was unique or obscure) or a known presentation to HIV. This HIV Early test decreases the window time frame (the time you need to hold up before getting tried) to just 10 or 12 days. This test will be performed on the blood example taken from the arm, much the same as a Standard test. This Early test for HIV searches for the genuine HIV infection, not antibodies created because of the infection. That implies the test can recognize on the off chance that you are contaminated when your samples are still under the examination time of a neutralizer test.

The Standard test for HIV

This test can be utilized for routine HIV testing or when Rapid test for HIV isn’t accessible. This Standard test for HIV distinguishes antibodies of HIV in the blood. Similarly, to what happens in this Rapid test in most folks (around 90%) will grow enough antibodies for HIV to be recognized three to a month after disease.

The enormous contrast is that it is finished with blood take from vein. This blood will be sent to HIV testing lab and you should sit tight for at least five days and wait for the outcome. In the event that it is negative, at that point you don’t need any further tests. In the event that the outcome is sure, you will require another test to affirm. Select the HIV testing technique you are most comfortable with to get treatment on time.

How HIV Testing can protect your future

Sex is not the only reason behind the transmission of the HIV. There are other reasons like the blood transfusion, using unsterilized objects or using the same injection for several patients. Over the past few years, such conditions have been controlled. Unfortunately, in some underdeveloped countries, the practice is still the same because of the lack of education. Most of the people have been concerned that whey they should get HIV Testing. You should know that if you are doubtful that nurse used the wrong syringe while you were faint it is important that you get yourself tested because it will protect your future in the following ways.

Diagnosis at early stage

There are different stages of HIV and it would be beneficial if you are diagnosed at the early stage. It is important that as soon as you are suspicious you should visit the doctor. Do not wait for the symptoms to show because the condition can get serious rapidly. The earlier you will get the diagnosis the better it would be for you.

Get the treatment on time

With the advancement in the medical field, the treatment of HIV is available at the early stages.

  • With the help of HIV Testing if you are diagnosed before the symptoms start to appear the doctors can help control the virus at that stage
  • In case you are at the early stage of minor symptoms like the flu and allergies have started to appear you would get the treatment for both HIV and minor symptoms to stop the disease where it is
  • Remember that if the disease has reached the last stages there are return from there will be hard. The reason is that your body will be suffering from so many diseases that doctors would not be able to control all of them when your immunity system is already weak.

Protect your loved ones and your babies

It has been noticed that if the mother or father is suffering from HIV and they have not been diagnosed they can transmit the virus to their children. When the mother will get pregnant the virus will be automatically transmitted in the baby with her blood and after that with her breast milk during feeding. In this situation, the chances of appearance of symptoms of HIV in the baby are higher because their immunity system is weak.

Bottom line

Make sure that you get your yourself and your partner tested before the marriage. It is a practice that should be followed in all parts of the world. People should not feel embarrassed about HIV Testing especially when they were not embarrassed while having sex before marriage without protection. Even the virgins should get tested because there are chances that the disease was transmitted from their parents. It is important that you select a certified laboratory for the process because only then you will get the authentic results. HIV testing is the only way we can protect the spread of disease.

For what diseases you should get STD Testing

There are many individuals that are suffering from STDs but they are at the early stages due to which the symptoms have not started to appear yet. The only issue is that they are not ready to get the STD testing.

It has been noticed that most of the people get drunk on the weekends and they even forget that with whom they slept. In this situation the chances of transfer of STD increases. Even if you are scared of getting the test here we have 3 most dangerous diseases for which you should get tested as soon as possible.

HIV

We all know about the HIV virus that leads to the AIDS. It is the disease in which the virus will attack the DNA system of the body and after replication, the viral DNA will take over the immunity system of the individuals.

  • When the immunity system is damaged the person can get affected with any disease
  • It starts with the minor disorders like flu, fever, allergies and other common diseases
  • When the immune system becomes weaker the chances cancer and other disorder increases
  • AIDS eventually leads to young death because there are not proven a cure for the disease.

Herpes Simplex type 2

It is a type of disease that is caused due to sex but in this disease, the reproductive organ is involved. It is not very dangerous for the males but when it comes to the female the disease can cause problems. It will cause the vaginal rash due to which the skin area will become itchy. It might not seem like a serious problem but when the woman is pregnant she should know that her baby will suffer. During the vaginal delivery when the baby will pass through the infected area there are chances that his nose and eyes will be affected. The infection in the nose might damage the respiratory system. It has been noticed that in severe cases the survival of baby is tough.

Syphilis

It is the disease that is caused by the bacteria that is transmitted through sex. It has been found that individuals suffering from Syphilis show different stages of development. There are 4 stages and the signs and symptoms different at different stages. In case the female is in the first stage and she was not identified. There are chances that she will get pregnant and pass the disease to her fetus. In this situation, the chances of miscarriage will increase or the baby will be born with some severe deformity.

Bottom line

STD testing plays a special role in your protection and the protection of your loved ones. In case that you know you are suffering from a disease, it is important that you avoid sex until you are cured so others will not get affected. If you are planning to have sex with an unknown individual it would be better to use protection because you ever know which disease he might have been carrying.

Tag: STD Testing

STD Testing in General

Sexually transmitted infections are termed as STD’s. Majority of times, a person does not get any symptoms of STD and getting tested for it is the only way to acknowledge it. Therefore if you had sex, in any form (anal, vaginal or oral), you need to consider getting checked for STD. It usually gets more important or necessary if you have indulged yourself into sexual connection without protection or if the condom breaks while intercourse. However, talking to your doctor about it will let you know whether you are in utter need of STD Testing or not.

 

STD SYMPTOMS:

As mentioned above, it is not really important that one might face STD symptoms. This is why STD Testing is considered vital. However, here are some symptoms that an individual with STD might face. Also remember that every STD has different symptoms.

  1. Sores on thighs, butt cheeks or genitals.
  2. Burning while you pee or whenever you get a feeling to pee.
  3. Odd discharge from penis or vagina
  4. Irritation or pain in your anus, vagina or penis area.

All these symptoms don’t necessarily mark for STD and can be caused due to normal pimples or allergies too. This is why a STD Test makes it easier to decipher the issue and stay well informed about ones health condition. Your doctor might have to discuss your sexual details with you for the STD Testing so understand that it is completely normal. This will let them know about what kind of testing do you need or whether you need it at all or not. Furthermore, your treatment is also defined by your sex style or method thus it is very crucial to tell your health care professional everything.

 

NO SYMTPOMS MEANS NO STD TESTING REQUIRED?

A lot of people assume that if they do not have these symptoms they cannot have STD but that is just a huge misconception. As these symptoms can merely skin allergies, you never know for sure whether you have STD or not. Thus it is very important for one to actually go through STD testing if they think they have had sex with someone who might have a dangerous infection. Sex without protection can always bring harm thus it is better to be safe rather than sorry.

If you do have an STD, it is best to treat it right away as they can turn out to be life threatening with the passage of time. You might feel totally okay with it at the given moment, but with the passage of time, it turns out to bring huge damages to human health. Moreover, this can cause someone else their life too, if you are sexually involved with someone. It is best to tell your partner if you have STD right away and get it treated. Avoiding sex or using perfect protection while you are being treated for STD is very important.

 

CONCLUSION:

It is very important to get yourself checked for STD because if it goes untreated, it can cause several health issues which can last for long time spans. Moreover if you have STD, you easily put your partner at risk too just like HIV. Thus the best way to find out about it is to go for STD Testing and make sure that you are safe and you don’t transmit it to so on else too.

Understanding HIV through PEP

HIV PEP, or what is termed as HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis, means to get prevention from an infection or disease. PEP is basically medicines which are given to people in case of emergency, if they have been exposed to HIV. This helps in stopping the HIV infection from spreading entirely in the human body and is used for bringing as much prevention as possible. Here is everything that you need to understand about PEP, in order to know why to utilize it and how it can possibly help you. However, one must know that it is not 100% confirmed that PEP helps you in preventing the HIV infection. The results vary highly.

 

WHY SHOULD ONE CONSIDER TAKING HIV PEP?

PEP is considered when you are HIV negative or you have no idea about what your HIV status is, if within the last 72 hours you were assaulted sexually or shared needles with someone while drug prep. It can also be taken under circumstances where you think that you were exposed to HIV during physical connection. Gut instincts usually don’t lie and taking medication for assumptions is just fine. But PEP cannot be used every time you “think” you are exposed to HIV. It is only meant for emergency situations. If you know that your partner is HIV positive, it is best to avoid sexual contact. If you are using protection and it breaks, you definitely know that you will need PEP by all means.

HIV PEP must and can only be taken within 72 hours after your sexual contact. After that, you only have the option of getting yourself tested for HIV and PEP medication cannot be used. 72 hours make up 3 days and that is the only time limit that you have to get a PEP prescribed by your healthcare professional. An individual needs to take PEP for 28 days and within this time period; he or she might have to visit their doctor some or several times in between. Once you are done with the PEP medication, you need to head out for a proper HIV test right away and see whether your status has is negative or positive.

 

IS PEP GOING TO WORK FOR SURE?

Many people require a proper assurance for the fact that PEP will free them of HIV infection by all means. But let me burst your bubble here; it is not confirmed. PEP is very effective in preventing the HIV infection, in most cases, but the results vary and it is not 100% effective all the times. It is considered that PEP helps the most when it is taken right away after being exposed to HIV. The better, the sooner is the key here. However, many people don’t have an idea that they might be having sex with an HIV positive person. This is where they can only take a test and get to know about their HIV status.

 

VERDICT

If you have a proper sexual life and you might be changing partners a lot, it is important to go for an HIV test once or twice every year. Majority of people do not inform their partner that they have HIV and that is what increases the number of people who have this disease now. Make sure that you get yourself tested annually and if you are exposed to it by mistake, make sure that you go for PEP right away. An emergency nurse or your personal healthcare professional will prescribe it for you, after jotting down some necessary details.

Can an infection be prevented with PEP?

HIV Post exposure prophylaxis better known as HIV PEP are antiretroviral medicines which are given to prevent a person from infection who has been exposed to HIV or have chances of being exposed or effected by it. PEP is only meant for emergency cases and is recommended to be started within 72 hours of being exposed to HIV or having doubts of it. If you are in the doubtful scenario, talk to your professional health care first and then take a step towards PEP. PEP is taken for 28 days and must be taken daily. It is considered helpful in preventing from HIV but the results are not 100% effective for everyone. It might help some and might not be as great for others.

 

IS PEP RIGHT FOR YOU?

Many people get caught in the struggle of whether PEP is right for them or not. PEP is meant to be taken in emergency cases and if you have passed 72 hours in sheer doubt, then the clock has ticked away. PEP medicines are only given to a person who has been in a sexual connection or have shared needles with someone in the past 72 hours. HIV PEP is meant to lower your chances of having an HIV infection. However, it is not 100% effective, as mentioned above. This is why it is recommended to use safety while having sex, until you are done with PEP and proper HIV testing.

 

IS PEP SAFE FOR HEALTH?

PEP is completely safe for health. However, it can cause nausea in some people. Nausea is definitely not life threating and you can easily opt for a nausea control medication to make it stop.

 

WHERE TO GET PEP FROM?

PEP medication is now easily accessible on pharmacies but you will need a proper prescription for that. Visit your doctor or an emergency for it and you can get it through a prescription easily. Emergency wardens won’t give you PEP prescription right away. They will talk to you and you will have ya answered some basic queries for them. They will only prescribe you PEP if they think you have been exposed to HIV.

 

CAN PEP BE USED EVERYTIME YOU HAVE SEX WITHOUT PROTECTION?

You need to remember that HIV PEP can only be taken in emergency cases. It is not good to opt for each time you have unprotected sex or you indulge in sex with an HIV positive person. This only puts you at higher risks and as PEP is not 100% effective, you really don’t know what you are putting yourself up to. Once or twice is just fine but it is always better to stay on the safer side.

 

To conclude it all up, PEP can be effective in preventing or lowering chances of having HIV infection. However, it is not your perfect getaway. Make sure that you stay under-protection while being connected with someone sexually. Also make sure that you do not have sex with a HIV positive person. It is better to stay safe rather than sorry.