Basics of HIV Testing

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There is only one way to know whether you have HIV or not and that is to get yourself tested for it. The medical authorities and according to medicine studies in all, it is recommended that everyone between the age of 13 and 64 should get themselves tested for HIV. Doing it once annually is just fine and it should be marked as one of your medical necessities. Having knowledge about your HIV status give you power over your medical condition and you are capable of looking after yourself in a much better manner. HIV testing is now considered as an important test for human healthcare and doctors usually recommend it to parents and normal individuals too.

 

BASICS OF HIV TESTING

Here are some very common queries that pop inside human brain when talking about HIV testing. We have solved them down here for everyone who gets confused about anything regarding HIV. Let’s get started.

 

Which people need to go for HIV Tests?

The very first confusion for people is that do we even need an HIV test or not. Here is a list of queries that you need to ask yourself and if the answer to them is yes, then you need to go through an HIV test:

  • Have you had sex with another person?
  • Have you had sex with an HIV positive person; vaginal or anal?
  • Have you had sex with more than one person?
  • Have you had sex with another person who might have had sex before with someone?

If you are indulged in physical activity, then it is best to go for HIV test every year. Moreover, you need to make sure that since you have had sex, even if it was just once, you do keep going for HIV tests. The basic process of it getting passed is sexual connection.

 

Types of tests for HIV Testing:

This is another basic thing that people do need to know. There are 3 types of HIV tests that you might come across; NAT Test, Antigen Test and Antibodies Test. The NAT is done to look for the actual virus in the blood. Antigen test is done to for the HIV antigens and antibodies. The antibody test is done to look for HIV in your oral fluid or blood.

 

 

How to get tested?

Gone are the days when getting tested for HIV was tough. Call any health care provider and you might find someone to take your blood sample right from home too or you can visit your daily routine hospital for the test too.

 

What does HIV Negative mean?

Many people assume that if they are HIV negative then their partner is too. It is not transmitted every time you get a sexual connection so it does not give confirmation of your partner being an HIV negative too. It is always best to ask your partner (without marriage specially and it is good for married couples to discuss it too) whether they have HIV or not. This helps you in saving a life and it also tends to allow you to secure yourself.

 

Conclusion:

To conclude it all off, if you find yourself being HIV positive, it is best to share your results with your partner. It is important for them to know. Make sure that you talk it out with them. Moreover, being HIV negative does not confirm that your partner cannot be HIV positive. It is best if you both decide to get yourselves checked before indulging yourself into any sexual relationship.

After how long is it important to get yourself checked for HIV?

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There is no time to get yourself checked for HIV testing; you can literally do it anytime. If you are confused or maybe your gut instinct is pointing you towards danger, then it is best to talk to your health care professional right away. Even if you assume that the person you had sex with might be HIV positive, you need to give yourself confirmation about it. At whatever age you start having sex, you are liable from that time to get yourself checked for HIV. It is very important and one should never overlook at it.

 

Make it a routine

It is recommended that getting yourself checked once a year is good to go with. But that does not mean that you have to wait for an entire year to get yourself HIV tested. If you have doubts, then go for it. Moreover, you can ask your health care expert whether you can get HIV tested twice within a year or not as that might bring in stronger confirmation your way. This usually depends upon how much sexually active you are. Married people have sex with just one individual and that makes it fine for them to get checked once within a year. However, for youngsters who get into sexual activities, outside wedlock, they indulge in with different partners and that puts them up for more risk. If you are having sex with more than one person, then do consult your doctor about it.

 

If you have taken a risk, how long do you need to wait?

Many times, we forget that a person might have been injected through shared injection equipment and it might not be sexual contact. Anyways, if you think that you have made a mistake like done sex without protection or shared an injection (if you are taking drugs), then you need to talk to your doctor right away. Many people have their own personal doctor, whom they have been visiting since a long time. If you don’t have one, then no need to worry, just talk to a good health care professional and they will guide you to HIV testing in the best way.

People are usually recommended to get an HIV test after 72 hours of sexual contact but if you are in an emergency, then you might have to go through PEP HIV testing process. This is done under emergency cases. This aids in reducing the chances of being infected with HIV overall. However, PEP is not always given. Doctors usually give this when they suspect that you might be at risk of HIV.

In some cases, doctors ask the patient to come back to them for some further tests, depending on their condition or time span of when they took an HIV test. To end it all, it is always best to wear a condom and take every end of protection that can save you from infections. Stay safe and healthy.

5 reasons which highlight the importance of STD testing

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STD stands for sexually transmitted disease. It can cause serious health concerns to the individual. It is a serious and now most common threat to sexually active people. It can be even bigger of a problem if it not treated in its early ages, which is only possible if the individuals are tested for it. The individuals who are sexually active and with multiple partners or do not cast protection during the practice must consider the STD testing. If you are not sure or do not want to consider STD testing, here are 5 reasons which can possibly change your minds.

  1. STD can be treated

STDs are referred to as a fatal disease, which is not incorrect. STDs might also grow to cause certain conditions to a human body. They can affect an individual in ways which might cause them tremendous harm. But, they can be treated, if they are treated in their early stage. It is not possible to clear them out completely by roots, but, the treatments can cause positive results and control the disease itself and its transmission from one individual to another.

  1. STD testing is not a routine

People might go for routine checkups to their respective health care providers. But, they are not tested for the STDs, unless they ask themselves to get tested. It is essential for people to understand that their sexual behavior might be the center of some of the severe disease which can cause fatal damages to their bodies.

  1. There might not be any symptoms

Not all of the sexually transmitted diseases have symptoms which can indicate or warn the person of about the destructive disease which is growing inside them. Even if some of the STDs have symptoms, they resemble to other diseases which are less fatal. Either way, it is difficult to determine whether the person has any form of STD or not, by themselves. They need STD testing in order to be sure. This way, it can be possible that a particular individual be infected and without bearing knowledge, he/she can infect their partners. STD testing is recommended to such individuals in order to protect the disease to spread out and reach out to other people.

  1. Getting tested is easy and quick

The individuals that are required to go through STD testing do not have to go through complex procedures or demands of the doctors. Some of the tests only require people to urinate. The people looking for STD testing should be aware that it does not require to take the blood samples, therefore, no needles are required.

  1. There might be more than one STD

Sometimes, the individuals are unaware of the STD that they are possessing and other times, these people are unaware of all the STDs they might be possessing. The individuals might have more than one infections without having any regarding knowledge. This can be damaging for both, themselves and their partners. People need STD testing in order to be aware.

Barriers to HIV testing

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HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and it can lead to AIDS if not treated right or not treated at all. In order to be aware of your current conditions, you need to get yourself tested for HIV. HIV testing is recommended by the health care providers as well. However, anything said is not enough for people to overcome their fearful thoughts about HIV testing. There are certain barriers to HIV testing, most of which are caused by people themselves. Mostly, people are hesitant towards HIV testing and some of them will not even allow their kin to get tested.

  1. Fear

In prior days or old time, HIV testing was treated as a possible road towards death sentence, as being diagnosed with HIV was treated like one. Similarly, people now, fear the results which might come up by HIV testing. People would refuse to get tested for HIV for the same reason. There have been many massive enhancements in the treatment for people with HIV-positive. There is still no cure to completely remove the roots of HIV from an individual. However, the detection in its early ages improves the results overtime. Initializing the treatment during early times, aids in reduction of the AID related symptoms. It also reduces the rate of transmission from one individual to the other. The treatment though, might not work the same, if you have waited a few years. It is beneficial for the individuals to get HIV testing as soon as they can.

  1. Risk factors

There have been a huge number of people who refuse to go through HIV testing because they have this belief in their minds, that they do not have any of the risk factors for HIV infection. It is not uncommon amongst people to think so. However, there have been a study conducted in 2011, which concluded that amongst all, about 69 percent people who were infected by HIV reported that they did not get tested before because they thought they were not at risk. As a rational individual, you must make sure that you know what the risk factors are. In case you notice any one of them within yourself, you must get yourself tested. Even when you think you are not at risk, you must go through HIV testing at least once, to make sure and to avoid future difficulties.

  1. Stigma

Stigma is referred to as a stain or a disgrace. This is exactly how an HIV diagnosed patient thinks, they are being thought of. HIV was first discovered 30 years ago and since then, there have been so many enhancements in the field and there have been numerous finding regrading it. Despite all that, people who are diagnosed with HIV are afraid of being treated as a stain by other people. The other reason why people do not want to go through HIV testing is that they might get discriminated against if it turns out to be positive and other people are aware of it.

HIV testing

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What is HIV testing?

The result of HIV testing declares if the person, being tested is infected with HIV or not. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus and it often leads to more severe and fatal diseases like AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS is the most complex and advanced stage of HIV infection. The HIV testing can determine if the person is infected with HIV or not, but it cannot let the person know how they have been infected by it or of they have AIDS.

Why is HIV testing important?

HIV testing lest you know if you are infected. It is imported to know in the prior days or just to know. However, it can be controlled in the early days of the infection. So, if you get tested for HIV in early times, even if it is positive, it can be controlled to produce better outcomes. Knowing the results can keep you and others around you, safe.

If you are HIV negative, it suggests that you do not have HIV infection. You must continue to take steps against the factors which can possibly cause HIV infection. Like, using protection during sexual intercourse, if you are at risk of getting infected. Other than that, taking meds in order to prevent HIV or even just its risk factor.

If you are HIV positive, it suggests you do have HIV infection, but it is still possible for you to protect yourself, your health and avoid harm. You can start by having a conversation with your health care provider regarding antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is the way of using HIV meds in order to treat the HIV infection. People who are on antiretroviral therapy are required to take a certain combination of HIV meds every day. ART lest people continue their lives in healthier manner, with no worries of fatalities. It also, reduces the chances and risks of transmission of HIV infections amongst the individuals. The individuals who have come up HIV positive by HIV testing, are recommended to start this therapy as soon as it is possible for them to. It really helps people in reviving the strength and span of their lives. The meds to take in order to treat HIV infection is mostly decided by the respective health care providers.

Who should get HIV testing?

As per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone from ages 13 to 64 must get tested for HIV infection at least once in their entire life span. As the general rule states, the people at higher risk of getting infected if HIV must get tested every year.

There are certain factors which increase the risks of HIV infections. Sharing needles with others, injecting drugs or sharing certain other drug equipment with other people might increase the risk of HIV. People having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) like, syphilis. People suffering from hepatitis or tuberculosis (TB) or having a sexual intercourse with someone who has any of the risk factors for HIV that has been mentioned above.

HIV testing remains low in teens

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The proportion of HIV testing amongst teens is less than it should be. Young adults between ages of 13 to 24 make up less than 17 percent of the entire United States population. But, they represent 26 percent of the people who are infected by the new HIV infections. The worst part of the whole situation is that they are unaware of their conditions, whether they are infected or not. In order to tackle this situation and reduce the number of infected teens, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has suggested that all the individuals with age more than 12 years must go through HIV testing. Ten years ago, the suggestion was put forward by the CDC first. Still, as per the new studies, that have been conducted, the HIV testing among the younger people has not increased. Amongst the students of high schools, the HIV testing has remained on a low level. As per the survey, in 2005, only 20 percent, of the all the high school students who have ever had sex, were tested for HIV. And in 2013, the proportion rose up to be 22 percent only.

There are certain reasons which may be why the teenagers or the young adults do not want to get HIV testing. It has been very difficult for the pediatricians to initiate a conversation with teens about their sexual activities or the risks they are at every time they go out. There is also a number of teens who deny having any sort of sexual activity when asked by the doctor. Apart from that, HIV poses the fear of stigma in people when they are diagnosed. They fear, they might be treated as a disgrace. Even though, there are other infections which can be transmitted sexually like, chlamydia, HIV remains the horrifying one. This is one of the many reasons why the teens, young adults or their parents to resists the HIV testing. Other times, people hesitate to get HIV testing because they are afraid that they might be infected and the results would come up positive. Somehow, they want to ditch the reality.

Another reason for the young people to refuse to get HIV testing is because they fear that their confidentiality might get violated. Young people live out and about and they are more aware of the surroundings. Either they have seen people do it or they have done it themselves. They are aware that the confidentiality might get violated and the results might come out. The patients with HIV positive on their reports have dealt with so much in prior days, that no one now wants that information out in the open. Therefore, these young people do not want to go through HIV testing in the first place, so that there is no risk of going through the phase of discrimination. As per the reports, there have been breakdowns amongst the families due to the positive HIV result.

Why Is It Important to Get STD Testing Done?

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It is recommended to go for STD testing every once in a while depending on your risk level of getting an infection. If you have a lot of casual sex, with or without the use of protection, you should try your best to get tested since this is the best way of detecting an infecting and addressing it as early as possible. It is a fact that most people cannot identify an STD infection even with symptoms and most people would normally brush it off as a hormonal thing especially in women which increases the importance of getting tested often.

 

Some STDs Are Not Only Sexually Transmitted

 

Adults above the age of 21 are advised to go for STD testing often regardless of whether or not they have sex. This is because some infections are passed by simple skin on skin contact such as oral herpes. It is easy to ignore an infection when you are not sexually active since you do not expect it and that is why you should take time to get tested before anything else.

 

Early Detection Equals Effective Treatment

 

Some STDs are life threatening, and that is why the earlier you discover them, the better for you. HIV testing is important so that the virus may be caught in its early stages before it weakens your immune system too much hence exposing you to AIDS. By treating an infection early enough, you also save your partner from infection if they weren’t already infected.

 

To Prevent Spreading

 

If you have a new sexual partner, it is advisable that you get STD testing first before moving on since it ensures that your new partner doesn’t get infected if you have an STD. This is why couples are advised to get tested together since it promotes trust between the two and allows you to start off with a clean slate.

 

To Ensure That a Previous Infection Cleared

 

Taking medication for an STD doesn’t necessarily mean that it will completely clear up, so if you had an infection and you’re feeling better, it is best if you get retested. This is meant to ensure that the infection that you had was treated successfully since if it didn’t clear up completely, you could have an even worse infection which may be difficult to treat.

 

So as Not to Pass an Infection to Your Baby

 

If you have just found out that you are pregnant, you should get HIV testing so that if you are infected, you can be sure that your child will be fine. An STD testing is also recommended since they can also affect the baby hence causing complications.

 

If you suspect that you may be infected, it is best to get HIV testing so as to be sure of your negative status or get HIV PEP if you think you were exposed to the virus. Testing is usually so simple done by a medical professional and you will have your results back in a short period of time.

Situations Which You Should Get a STD Testing

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Many people think that STDs should only be tested when one has unprotected sex. The truth is, as long as your blood comes into contact with the blood of the infected one, you are risk of getting it. Some STIs can even be acquired when one sits on a toilet seat that has been used by an infected person. This is because it only takes few drops of body fluids to transmit the diseases. Although some of the below situations are not yet approved to be dangerous, it is good to go for STD testing.

When You Get Pricked by a Needle That Has Already Been Used

A used Needle normally touches the blood of the person whom it has been used on. If it pricks you, there is a possibility of you contacting the infective pathogen. More importantly is that you should get a HIV Testing done on you so that you immediately start HIV PEP if you are negative.  Test for Hepatitis B as well because blood normally has this virus which can lead to deteriorating liver disease. Testing should be done using advanced equipment that will lead to accurate results. Some testing equipment release negative results even when the results are positive.

When You Have Been Raped or Done Unprotected Sex

In some situations, you find yourself to have done sex without knowing that you didn’t have protection or maybe you had the protection, but you didn’t use it. Don’t wait until it is too late, make sure that you visit the nearest health centre and get the best testing services. STD testing will be done, and proper prophylactic medication will be given to ensure that you get the best outcomes. You will prevent yourself from HIV and other STDS.

When You Get Involved in an Accident and Your Blood Mixes with Other People’s Blood

It is important to ensure that you take quick action when you get injuries in an accident especially when its accident on public vehicle. You never know the status of the people you are travelling with, some of them are infected. Make sure that you get HIV testing done on you and start on HIV PEP immediately. Get tested of Hepatitis B as well so that you counter-attack its growth and make yourself to be on the safety side. Some diseases are lethal, but when they get weakened by the early treatment, they regress making you to have the best relief.

To conclude, STD testing should be done anytime one feels like he or she has contacted the pathogens. Even in cases of assaults, don’t take chances, have yourself tested and make sure that you get the best treatment and interventions. In many facilities, there are rapid tests that can be done to give people the best care that they need. Don’t feel shy or ashamed and stop blaming yourself because that is like an accident that has occurred; you couldn’t have controlled it from happening.

The Circumstances When HIV PEP Should Be Administered

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HIV PEP involves taking the antiretroviral drugs immediately after one suspect they might have been infected with HIV virus. Therefore, these drugs are a preventive measure that is meant to counter possible infection of an already exposed person. You should report to the health centre immediately when you suspect the possibility of getting infected so that you can take HIV PEP soonest possible. There are various possible causes when the HIV PEP should be administered. These include the following;

 

Cases Involving Rape

 

When a person has been forced to have unprotected or unwilling sex with a stranger or a person he/she knows well, it is important this person gets the HIV PEP to make sure the person is not infected. In most cases, people who are raped are stigmatised and fail to report such incidents. On top of getting the culprits arrested, the other reason why it is important that these persons report to the police/authorities is so that they are taken to health centres so that they can get HIV PEP immediately. There is a potential exposure to HIV Virus when a person gets raped because of the force that is applied and also the possible rupture of the skin around the genitals.

 

In Cases Where a Person Voluntarily Has Sex with a Stranger

 

The other case when one should be tested is the case where you had sex with a person you don’t know their HIV status. This includes indulging in prostitution or even the one night events where you voluntarily have sex with a person you don’t know or trust their HIV status. The HIV PEP has become readily available at the health centres, and therefore in such cases, you should rush to the health centre as soon as possible and have treatment to prevent the spread of the infection. In any case, where you are planning to have sex with a stranger, it is advisable that both of you find time before the meeting and have an HIV test done. This is the most responsible act you can do in your life. Otherwise, you should just abstain from irresponsible behaviour.

 

Accidental Sharing of Sharp Items Leading to Body Fluids Mixing

 

In some cases, a doctor might be operating a person who is infected with HIV and accidentally gets cut by the same surgeon blade. In other cases, the doctor might also feel that he has been exposed to the virus and needs to act before he is also infected to completely destroy the virus. These are circumstances when the doctor needs to take HIV PEP immediately to avoid becoming infected. This might happen on very occasions. But when it happens, it is good for the doctor to take the medication immediately.

 

Note that for the HIV PEP to function effectively, the doctor should administer it in 72 hours after a person indulges in risky behaviour or also in any of the above circumstances. This is the only assurance that you can have to make sure you are not infected.

FAQs on HIV Testing

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HIV is the deadliest virus known to man, and this is because there is no known cure for the virus. Once one is infected, the virus works quickly, over time to weaken the immune system which increases susceptibility to other viruses and infections. One of the best ways to deal with HIV virus is by ensuring that you have protected intercourse and by testing often. Testing helps one in ensuring that one is not infected and if infected, to get on medication as soon as possible so as to get the situation under control. There are still a lot of misunderstood facts about HIV testing, and it is best if you know the answers to commonly asked questions for future reference.

 

When Should One Get Tested?

 

The recommended time for testing is three months after having unprotected sex. However, there are other special events that will require that you get tested. These include when you want to get pregnant, while pregnant when you want to donate blood and during annual checkups.

 

What Are the Possible Results When Getting Tested?

 

If you are having your HIV testing done, there are three possible results which are negative, positive and invalid. A negative test means that you don’t have the virus; positive means that you are infected while invalid can be as a result of a test that has been interfered with hence making it invalid or would indicate an unconfirmed positive test.

 

Does a Positive HIV Test Mean That One Has AIDS?

 

No, a positive test result only means that you have been infected by the virus. AIDS only occurs in the last stages of infection if one has not been taking medication and it is very difficult to treat. This is why one is advised to get on medication as soon as they test positive even if they don’t feel unwell to prevent getting AIDS.

 

Where Can One Get Tested?

 

Most hospitals, clinics and pharmacies offer STD testing either free of charge or at a very low rate. You can enquire from your nearest facility whether they offer HIV testing and counselling.

 

Are Home Testing Kits Accurate?

 

Home testing kits were introduced to allow people to easily test at the comfort of their homes so as to be sure especially when engaging in unprotected sex. Most have an accuracy of between 80%- 85% this is why you should go for a second opinion especially if it tests positive.

 

What Are the Fluids That Can Be Tested for HIV?

 

There are two main body fluids that can be used in a test which are blood and saliva.

 

HIV testing is recommended if you are sexually active or if you suspect that you may have come into contact with the virus through an open cut so as to get HIV PEP. The test is very simple to do, and you will have your results within a few minutes so it is something that you can get done over your break, to ensure that you are free of the virus and if not, to get medical attention as soon as possible.