WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT
SURE OF YOUR HIV STATUS
Globally 9 out ten infected people do not know they carry
the virus, this is disturbing because early detection in most cases is the
difference between life and death.
The first question an individual must ask his or her self is:
Ø
What is my HIV status?
Ø
my previous status was negative, have I engaged
in any risky behavior that could compromise my initial status?
Nearly everyone I know was afraid of the outcome on their
first HIV test result, so if you are feeling scared, it is completely normal
and not out of place. Knowing your HIV status is very important as it helps you
to make the correct decisions about your life.
Another critical question is
Ø
When should I get tested?
Most people get tested for the very first time when they are
about to get married, this is wrong! There is no guarantee that the results
that came back negative before the wedding will not change after the six months
window period. It is important for partners willing to pursue a relationship to
discuss their HIV status before committing to the relationship.
Regular testing is a necessity for individuals having
unprotected sex and for persons with multiple sexual partners.
So when you are not sure of your HIV status, the most
intelligent thing to do is to walk into a testing Centre and get yourself
tested.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR TEST
RESULT IS POSITIVE
A HIV positive test result is not a death sentence, many HIV
carriers are alive and doing very well decades after they tested positive.
Advances in medical science has ensured that HIV positive individuals live a
normal life as much as possible.
Most test centres have trained and qualified counsellors who
will guide the individual on appropriate lifestyle changes to make where
necessary.
Networking among HIV positive individuals have been shown to
positively affect the lives of HIV carriers, these networking programmes have
not only improved the quality of life among people living with HIV, it has also
boosted self-determination and personal development of people living with the
virus. Therefore getting involved with the activities of these groups will be
highly beneficial to anyone who tested positive.
Taking drastic decision after testing positive can have
devastating effects; it is therefore advised that persons who tested positive
seek counsel before making major lifestyle changes.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR TEST
RESULT IS NEGATIVE
When the result of a HIV test is negative, it is usually
advised that the individual returns after some months for a repeat test. A
repeat test is carried out to confirm the result of the initial test. The
period between infection and the detection of antibodies within the blood
stream is usually referred to as the Window period. During this period
antibodies against the HIV virus are not detectable as such the test are
usually negative.
A negative result after a confirmatory test does not mean
the individual is immune to the virus, it only confirms the fact that the
individual is not infected with the virus.Persons who tested negative should
note that, it is their responsibility to ensure that they remain negative, as
allowing any slip could be deadly. To remain negative you will find the
following steps helpful
Ø
Avoid unprotected sex (Vaginal, Oral or Anal)
Ø
Avoid multiple sexual partners
Ø
Avoid injecting drug and illicit substances
Ø
Avoid contaminated sharp objects
Ø
Stay faithful to your partner
Ø
Go for medical checkup regularly
Ø
Discuss HIV before committing to a relationship
Ø
Seek counsel whenever in doubt about any issue.
Any information at your disposal that is not used is
useless; it is our collective responsibility to ensure an AIDS free world.
Quote:
We all do better when we work together. Our differences do
matter, but our common humanity matters more - Bill Clinton
HIV TEST, VCR, VCCT SEX, VIRGINITY, PROSTITUTION, TEENAGE PREGNANCY,
TEENS, HUSBAND, WIFE HIV, HIVAIDS, PEACEKEEPING , NIGERIA , BENUE, SEX
EDUCATION
http://www.publichealth.com.ng/hivaids-what-is-hiv-symptoms-transmission-phases-diagnosis-treatment/
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