The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated there are over one million people who are HIV positive, but do not know it because they have not taken an HIV test. Many of these people are spreading the disease to others because they do not realize the possibility of having the disease, or because they refuse to take an HIV test.
Most people begin to develop the HIV antibodies between three weeks and three months after they are infected. Some people can take much longer to develop these antibodies. Many doctors and other health care providers recommend an HIV test if someone has exposed themselves to behavior known to put them at risk within the last six months. However, an HIV positive test result may not be reflected in the HIV test if the person is slow to develop the antibodies.
Early detection of the HIV infection has many benefits. A person who has an HIV positive test result in the first stages of HIV can have many options available to lead a healthier, longer life. While there is no cure for HIV, there are a number of drugs available that can help someone stay healthy. Many of the drugs used to treat someone who is HIV positive are still in a clinical trial or are experimental.
Also, if someone knows they are HIV positive, it allows them to take the required steps to prevent passing the HIV infection onto someone else. Many people have been HIV positive for years and have never known because they did not get an HIV test. Everyone should have an HIV test once a year; more often if they practice behavior which puts them at risk. If you are not HIV positive, then this is opportunity to make sure you protect yourself from HIV exposure by quitting behavior that increases the risk of becoming infected.
If you find out you have a HIV positive result, you doctor and you can begin to develop a treatment plan to help you slow down the rate at which the disease will progress.
A HIV positive test result is devastating to someone. Make sure you get the support you need to deal with this emotional time. There are many support groups and agencies available to help you cope with an HIV positive test. Make sure you take care of your mental and spiritual health as well. You will at least know the truth. This is the first step in taking care of yourself and others that are close to you.
On a final note, if you are pregnant, be sure to get an HIV test. Even if you are HIV positive, there are many ways to try and keep you baby from developing the disease. Contact your health care provider immediately if you feel you need to take an HIV test.