Hiv Symptoms - When to Get Tested

There is a common misconception among many people these days that HIV home tests are unnecessary for them. While some people still believe that the disease only exists among prostitutes, homosexuals, and IV drug users, the HIV statistics prove that people of any age, race, sexual preference, or lifestyle can contract the disease. While sexual intercourse is by far the most common means of transmission, any contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person can result in transmitting the illness. It is very important to understand that anyone who is sexually active or comes into contact with the bodily fluids of others is at risk of developing HIV.

Another common misconception among many is that HIV testing is only needed if you begin to show symptoms of being sick. While HIV does have numerous symptoms, it is important to know that many people do not show HIV symptoms at all for months or even years. While diseases such as herpes and gonorrhea have specific symptoms, HIV is an immune deficiency, which means that its main effect is that it makes people more susceptible to other illnesses. For this reason, people who are HIV positive often think that a cold or flu is often a symptom only of itself and miss being diagnosed altogether.

In most cases, the early development of HIV is entirely symptom free. People who do show HIV/ AIDS symptoms during this stage often mistake them for the flu, as a fever, muscle pain, and swollen lymph glands are the most common effects. Later symptoms of the disease can range from chronic diarrhea to sudden weight loss, sores on the mouth and skin, rashes, exhaustion, and sweating as well as chronic yeast infections. Because all of these symptoms can also be found with other illnesses, it is important to undergo regular HIV testing to ensure that your status is negative. When diagnosed early, many people can live remarkably long and healthy lives with HIV.

HIV becomes detectable anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after transmission. As the disease begins to spread within the body, the immune system will begin to develop antibodies. The presence of these antibodies is what allows a diagnosis to be made by doctors. While they often develop within a few weeks, it is important to be tested for at least a year after contact with someone who is positive and to get tested regularly if you are sexually active or are exposed to bodily fluids.

Testing for HIV can be done in many ways by doctors. For people seeking a confidential and private way to test for HIV antibodies, an HIV home test allows you to perform a simple needle stick and mail the sample to a lab for rapid analysis. You will never be asked to give personally identifiable information and will be able to learn your results from the privacy of your own home. The test is virtually painless, and results can be available anywhere from the next day to a few weeks. Knowing your HIV status is crucial, and home HIV test kits make it easier than ever to always have the answer.

There are many medical home test kits on the market today. If you or someone you know ever needs one, there are three things to consider... confidentiality, accuracy and a fair price. Make sure you go to a reputable online website that only uses Medical Home Testing Kits that are FDA approved (or cleared).

By Lila Abrams