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May 7th, 2024
Getting tested for HIV is an important step in protecting your health and the health of current and future sexual partners. However, many people delay or avoid HIV testing due to fear, misinformation, or just not knowing what to expect. This article covers some key facts you should know before getting a free HIV test.
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS if left untreated. HIV attacks the body’s immune system, leaving it vulnerable to opportunistic infections and infection-related cancers over time.
HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common methods of transmission are unprotected sex and sharing needles/syringes contaminated with infected blood. HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, sharing food/drinks, or insect bites.
The symptoms of HIV in women and men can vary considerably from person to person. Many people do not experience any symptoms initially after contracting HIV. However, some people may experience early flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks after infection, including:
After this acute flu-like stage, HIV may not cause any additional symptoms for years as the virus continues replicating in the body. As the immune system gradually weakens, more severe symptoms can emerge such as:
Women with HIV may be more susceptible to infections like bacterial vaginosis, severe HPV cases, and other gynecological issues. HIV-positive pregnant women can also potentially pass the virus to their babies without treatment.
The only way to know for sure if you have contracted HIV is through an HIV test. Many women contract HIV from male partners whose status they were unaware of. Getting an STI screening or a free HIV test is vital for one’s health and preventing spread of the virus.
Getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV. According to the CDC, around 1 in 7 people with HIV in the United States are unaware they have it. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial, as antiretroviral medications can keep HIV under control and prevent progression to AIDS.
The CDC recommends HIV screening at least once for everyone between ages 13-64. Those at higher risk, such as individuals with multiple partners, should get tested annually. Pregnant women should be tested early in each pregnancy.
There are three main types of tests used to detect HIV infection:
It can take some time from the point of HIV exposure for testing to be able to accurately detect infection. This is called the “window period.” For antibody tests, the window is around 3-12 weeks. Nucleic acid tests have a shorter 1-4 week window.
If you may have been recently exposed, it’s recommended to be tested right away, then again 3 months after potential exposure to definitively confirm results.
Negative: No HIV detected. However, repeat testing may be needed if tested during the window period.
Positive: HIV is present and a follow-up test will likely be ordered to confirm the results before starting treatment.
Indeterminate: The initial test results were neither clearly positive nor negative. Retesting is needed.
While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS yet, effective treatment is available to allow those infected to live long, healthy lives with suppressed viral loads and normal immune function.
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) slows HIV progression, prevents transmission to partners, and reduces the risk of developing AIDS-related conditions.
If you test positive for HIV, seek medical care right away. Adhering to HIV treatment, seeing your doctor regularly, taking preventative measures against opportunistic infections, and living a healthy lifestyle can maximize lifespan and quality of life.
Do not avoid HIV testing out of fear or stigma. Getting tested regularly is a crucial step in protecting your health and stopping the spread of HIV. Many locations provide a confidential, free HIV test. Knowing your status, whether positive or negative, allows you to make informed decisions and take action.
The C.W. Williams Community Health Center Inc. offers rapid on-site HIV testing, as well as HIV self-test kits for your privacy and convenience. Schedule an appointment or request an HIV self-test kit today. We are happy to serve you.
Our mission is to improve spiritual, physical and psychosocial health by providing access to the highest quality comprehensive healthcare and ancillary services regardless of an individual’s ability to pay.
