Even in the times of today when the problems related with careless sex have been trumpeted from almost every medical and government office possible, people are still engaging in it. Such irresponsible acts sometimes have severe medical effects on the health of these persons.
A few common ones are syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, etc. HIV is one among these too. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This dangerous virus causes AIDS (Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome) in humans.
How it does so
Once the virus enters your body, it breaks cells down in your immune system. These cells are your body’s protection against infections and diseases. Once they die, your body becomes extremely vulnerable to catching even the simplest of infections. Over time, you become sicker and sicker and ultimately you may die.
More than a million people in the US are living with HIV. Once it enters your body, it may be years before the symptoms start exhibiting themselves and you carry on with your normal life unaware that you have HIV.
This virus stays in your body forever, till you die. So far, there is no cure for HIV but there are medicines that can help you stay healthy. In fact, this medicine can keep the virus in check for a long time.
In most cases, it takes around 10 years for HIV to turn into AIDS.
If you have had a careless sexual encounter, you should get tested for HIV in Arlington at the soonest. In case your result is positive, you will be able to start with the treatment as soon as possible to keep this condition under control.
Ways in which you can get HIV
The HIV virus can get into your system through:
- vaginal or anal sex
- a needle with HIV-infected blood on it
- sharing an infected needle or syringe for drugs, tattoo, piercings, etc.
- exposure of an open cut or sore on your body to infected vaginal fluid, semen, or blood
In most cases, HIV spreads through unprotected sex. It can pass from an infected mother to her baby via breastfeeding or even in pregnancy or childbirth.
However, HIV does not spread through saliva. So, if you have an infected friend or loved one, you can kiss or hug them without worrying about it.
If you are wondering how to get tested for HIV in Arlington, it is easy to do so by visiting an urgent care clinic.
All you have to do is walk in and ask for a test. You don’t require a doctor’s note. Most of these clinics have a full STD panel and if you so desire you can go through the entire gamut to be on the safer side. The testing is quick and discreet and the billing can be kept anonymous.
Remember, your safety is in your hands. If you want to enjoy sex, do so with caution and use protection every time.
For more information, you can visit stdexpressclinic.com.
