HIV testing

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.