What is HIV?
The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes AIDS. The virus operates by targeting and breaking down your body’s immune system. The body, consequently, loses its internal defense force and has a harder time fighting infection and disease. Individuals can contract the virus but not have any idea, since warning signs might not appear for several years. Once within the body, HIV can do serious injury to the immune system. People may appear totally healthy but still have HIV and pass it unknowingly to other individuals. An HIV test is the only way to learn if you’ve been infected with HIV.
Should I Be Tested for HIV?
Testing is suggested for whoever has engaged in high risk acts like sharing needles as well as unprotected sex.
How is HIV spread?
Most often, HIV spreads via sex with a companion who is presently infected with the virus. The virus gets into one’s body through the vaginal lining, penis, mouth, or rectum.
HIV may also be spread by directly coming into contact with HIV infected blood.
Women might spread HIV to their infants while being pregnant or through delivery. Around one-quarter to one-third of HIV-infected females will pass the infection to their babies if they don’t receive medication for the virus.
What test is recommended to detect HIV?
HIV/EIA (Elisa)
HIV status is assessed through the EIA (enzyme immunoassay). This particular test looks for antibodies created by the immune system whenever someone is infected with HIV. EIA is not 100% effective right after coming in contact with HIV. The HIV antibody will take time to reach levels the EIA test can detect. For this reason, contact our STD counselor to learn if you’re inside the EIA “window period”.
HIV PCR by DNA
HIV produces genetic material which can be found by the HIV PCR by DNA test. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process takes small quantities of the virus’ DNA and multiplies them exponentially. This allows for the tracking of the viral load following initial infection.
HIV Symptoms
HIV infection warning signs. Should you be displaying any one of these signs or symptoms, please call 1-877-516-4380.
- Dry cough
- Weight-loss
- Diarrhea enduring more than one week
- Severe tiredness
- Odd spots or white spots on your tongue, throat or mouth
- Lymph glands in your armpits, groin or neck which are swollen
- Pneumonia
- Brown, purple, pink or red blotches found on or beneath skin, inner eyelids, mouth or nose.
- Depression, memory loss, or some other neurological conditions
It can be hard to say definitively the time length HIV usually requires to advance to AIDS. It depends on aspects of each individual’s lifestyle, age, and immunity to other illnesses. Also, advanced antiretroviral medications have increased the time it requires HIV to develop into AIDS.
