You can have a simple, confidential blood test that can determine whether you are HIV positive or not, even before symptoms develop.

What is a HIV test?

HIV tests detect the antibodies produced by the immune system in response to HIV, as it’s much easier (and cheaper) to detect antibodies than the virus itself. Antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to an infection. For most people, it takes three months for these antibodies to develop. In rare cases, it can take up to six months. During this “window period” of early infection a person is at his or her most infectious.

Why is it important to have the test?

Having the HIV test:

    • Means that you are taking responsibility for yourself
    • Is the only way to know if you are HIV positive or not
    • Helps you to protect your health so you can stay healthy for longer
    • Allows you to protect other people from becoming HIV positive.

Be prepared

Speak to an HIV counsellor, your doctor or health worker before you have the test to get answers to any questions you may have about HIV or Aids and about the test itself. If you’re afraid and worried, the person you speak to will be able to support you and help you handle the results of the test. You may also choose to take a friend or someone you trust with you to support and care for you before and after the test.

Where can I get tested?

There are many places where you can be tested for HIV: a local clinic, at the offices of a private doctor, a local health department, hospitals, family planning clinics and sites, such as https://www.better2know.co.za/std-sti-testing/hiv-testing and http://www.mariestopes.org.za/hiv-stis/, are specifically set up for HIV testing. Always ensure that the testing place has counselling provided.

When the EAP at your company offers a testing opportunity, make use of it. The results are completely confidential and your employer will not know if you tested negative or positive.

If your test is negative

Learn about how to prevent HIV from the Focus Centre for HIV and Aids on this site and change your lifestyle to protect yourself and the people close to you in future.

Wait for three months and go for another test. The virus may not show up in the first test.

If your test is positive

You may feel angry, afraid, shocked, depressed or refuse to believe that you have the virus. This is normal. Try not to panic and talk to someone who can help you deal with how you feel. Thanks to new treatments, many people with HIV are living longer, healthier lives.

Make sure you have a doctor who knows how to treat HIV. A healthcare professional or trained HIV counsellor can help you to find an appropriate doctor, advise you on how to disclose your status to your partner and provide couples counselling.

It’s important to:

    • Follow-up with HIV testing and counselling for your partners and children
    • Follow your doctor’s advice on safer sex and risk reduction
    • Get screening and treatment for other diseases including TB, malaria and other sexually transmitted infections
    • Get information on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission and infant feeding if you’re pregnant.

 

Source
http://www.aids.org.za/testing-and-treatment/

Revised by M Collins