The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the body’s natural protection against sickness, the immune system. HIV can weaken the immune system to the point that it can no longer fight infection if left untreated. AIDS is a late stage of the infection that can be fatal.
HIV is a deadly disease that can strike people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations. Despite the fact that about 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with HIV each year, one in every four people living with the virus is unaware of their status.
The good news is that diagnosing HIV and receiving treatment is now easier than it has ever been. People who are infected with the virus have a good chance of enjoying a long, healthy, and happy life. Let’s look at why HIV testing is important and what benefits it can give.
Why Is It Important to Get Tested for HIV?
The only method to find out if you have HIV is to take an HIV test. Because AIDS symptoms can take years to manifest, it’s critical to get tested even if you’re feeling great. Knowing your HIV status, whether you test positive or negative, is crucial to receiving treatment and keeping the disease from spreading.
HIV is transmitted from one person to another by body fluids such as blood and sperm. This means that unprotected intercourse and sharing needles during drug use are two of the most common ways for people to develop HIV. It’s critical to get tested if you’ve engaged in these actions with someone whose HIV status is unknown. You can obtain treatment and take efforts to avoid spreading HIV to others after you know your status.
What Are the Advantages of Getting HIV Tested?
Knowing your HIV status is an excellent method to safeguard your health and the health of those you love. Getting tested for HIV has a number of advantages, regardless of whether your results are negative or positive:
The test is simple and quick to complete: Doctors collect a blood or saliva sample to analyse during an HIV test. In around 20 minutes, you’ll know if you have the infection. Almost all HIV tests are free.
You can live a healthier life by doing the following: You can get the therapy you need to be healthy if your test results show you have HIV. Antiretroviral medications now allow people living with HIV to enjoy long, normal lives.
You can defend your partners by doing the following: When you know your HIV status, you can safeguard your present and future sexual partners while also encouraging former partners to be tested.
It has the ability to provide you with peace of mind: You might be apprehensive about being tested if you suspect you have HIV. It’s natural to be concerned about your situation, but it’s always preferable to act rather than dismiss your worries. An HIV test can provide you with peace of mind.
Are you ready for an HIV test?
HIV testing has numerous advantages for those who are at risk. Make an appointment with Hamilton Health Center if you’re ready to learn your HIV status. Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., we provide free, confidential HIV testing. We are pleased to provide HIV testing and counselling to all Central Pennsylvania residents, regardless of age, income, or insurance status, as well as STD testing for all other diseases.