Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a (primarily) sexually transmitted virus that attacks the immune system (white blood) cells and eventually could cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a medical condition where the person affected has an immune system too weak to fight infection. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. When used generally, HIV refers to HIV-1. Both types of HIV damage a person’s blood cells (CD4+T).
HIV symptoms range from mild cold or flu-like symptoms like sore throat or dry cough, and swollen glands, to more noticeable symptoms like rashes, lesions, weight loss, and pain (such as headaches). Symptoms can mimic other conditions, or symptoms related to a woman’s menstrual cycle, so it is important to get tested if you may have been exposed to the HIV virus.
Questions to ask your doctor about being tested include:
- How is HIV tested? A saliva test (available in most doctor’s offices) can give results in half an hour; if activity is present, then a more reliable blood test could be drawn to look for HIV antibodies. Antibodies are substances produced by the body to fight infection.
- If I test negative, do I need to be tested again? Yes, it may take some time for antibodies to develop, so testing is usually done over the course of several months.
- Why should I be tested if I may have been exposed to HIV? Early diagnosis is key in the fight against HIV, to keep the virus from progressing too quickly. A person infected with the virus may not become immediately symptomatic, so detection if you’ve actually been exposed, is important. It is recommended that the test be taken within six weeks of a risky event.
- If I test negative, am I in the clear? If you continue to do the behaviors that made you need to be tested in the first place, you may want to continue testing regularly. You also may want to obtain medical treatment (post-exposure prophylaxis), which may help prevent infection if started quickly after exposure.
- Can HIV be transmitted in ways other than sexually? HIV can be transmitted when sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs. Historically, it was held that it could be transmitted by blood transfusion, however, those cases are extremely rare because donated blood is tested for HIV prior to being entered into the system. Children can get HIV from their mother during the birthing process, or from drinking HIV-carrying breast milk.
- If I test positive, then what? Antiretroviral therapy has shown to slow down the HIV virus and slow down the damage to an infected person’s immune system. You doctor will work with you to develop a comprehensive program for managing your condition.
- Can HIV be prevented? HIV cannot be spread casually, and therefore it is not likely you could spread infection to someone if not engaging in risky behaviors. There are programs to help you make healthy decisions (ways to suggest using a condom with a partner, and communicating health and STI status).
Resources –
www.cdc.gov HIV/AIDS Topics
www.hivtest.org HIV and STD Testing
www.avert.org AIDS & HIV International Information, Statistics, and Help and Advice
Check out EmpowHER’s page on HIV/AIDS for more information.
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Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.
