One Life

Why get tested for HIV?

If you’ve had unprotected sex with several partners. If you’ve had unprotected sex with a stranger or someone you know who is HIV positive. If you’re in a monogamous relationship and your partner wants you to stop wearing a condom. If you’ve had unprotected sex and within a month started feeling flu-like symptoms that last longer than usual. When it comes to HIV, what you don’t know CAN hurt you, and others.

HIV is transmitted through any body fluid that contains the virus, but transmission occurs mainly through the seminal fluid, vaginal fluid, blood or breast milk of an infected person. HIV can be transmitted either through sexual contact with an infected person, injection or infusion of contaminated blood, or transfer from an infected mother to child before, during or after birth. You can’t smell it, taste it or feel it. HIV can live inside your body for years, without you knowing it. Even though you may not look or feel ill, the virus IS in your body and you may still be able to spread HIV to others. Symptoms that can occur in the first month of HIV infection are similar to those of other illnesses and can easily go unnoticed. Over time, the virus will attack your immune system and you will not be able to fight off infections and illnesses. Without treatment, HIV infection can develop into AIDS and make you susceptible to life-threatening diseases.

Click here to read more on the early signs and symtpoms of HIV.

For many people, getting an HIV test puts their mind at ease. Finding out you are not infected through a negative result can end needless worry and lead to safer lifestyle choices down the road.

If you test positive for HIV, much can be done to help you cope with the results, and take control of your health. Start by gathering all the facts you can on HIV from reliable sources like this Web site. Many treatment programs are now available to help to slow down the virus and reduce your susceptibility to HIV-related illnesses. The sooner you and your doctor review your options the better. Of course, telling your sexual partners about your new health status is critical. If you are afraid or don’t know how to tell them, talk to your doctor to help you find out ways to break the news.

Bottom line: Knowing whether or not you are HIV positive means you can take steps to protect yourself and other people through safe sex practices and information sharing.