The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people between 13 and 64 years of age to undergo a test for HIV atleast once in their lifetime. This applies to those in monogamous relationship too.
People who have multiple partners and indulge in high-risk sex behaviors should undergo a test frequently, say every six months or so or each time you have a new partner.
The CDC recommends annual HIV test for the following people:
- Men who have sex with men.
- Person who has had sexual intercourse (anal and/or vaginal) with an HIV infected person.
- People with a new sex partner since their last HIV test.
- People who share needles and other drug injection equipment.
- People who use sex toys and if they have shared them with anybody even once.
- Person who has had unprotected sex with somebody whose sexual history is unknown.
- Person who is already suffering from another STD.
- Hepatitis and TB patients.
How to get tested for HIV in Arlington?
In Arlington, it is easy to undergo HIV test and also tests for other STDs at the STD clinic that is famous for conducting discreet testing. You need no appointment for a test or doctor consultation here. Simply walk in and ask for a test.
Talking about STDs
Health experts are of the view that a little more openness about sexually transmitted diseases can help in curbing their spread. For example, when two people meet and decide to have sex, they must ask each other whether they are sexually healthy or undergone a test and received negative results. It is also important that they be honest with each other.
In addition, people should be aware about early stage HIV symptoms like rash. If you have had unprotected sex with somebody and you get a rash within a week or month, you must consult a doctor. You can easily hop into your nearest STD clinic and either undergo HIV test directly, or discuss with a doctor first.
Pregnancy and HIV testing
According to CDC, pregnant ladies must undergo HIV test in the earliest stage of pregnancy. In fact, it is better to undergo a test before you get pregnant.
Doctors say that HIV treatment, when started in the earliest stage of pregnancy, is far more effective. It decreases the risk of spreading HIV to the fetus to as low as 1 per cent.
If you get a negative HIV report, but have had high-risk sexual behaviors before getting pregnant, you must talk to the doctor about starting PrEP (Pre Exposure Prophylaxis), which can prevent you from getting the infection.
Benefits of HIV tests
People who know how to get tested for HIV in Arlington can undergo a test and, if their test result is positive, can start treatment immediately. This will prevent the further progress of the infection. It is found that HIV patients who take their treatment religiously live a longer and healthier life.
The aim of the treatment is to suppress the viral load to the extent that the patient is, no longer, infectious. This means he or she can have sex with a non-HIV person without transmitting the infection. Patients who maintain a suppressed viral load through regular treatment can lead a sexually fulfilling life, say doctors.
According to health care experts, it all starts with catching the early stage HIV symptoms like rash and starting the treatment without delay. This can happen when every person is responsible for his/her sexual health and takes appropriate action towards it, i.e., undergoes timely testing.
HIV is incurable, but manageable. Consult a doctor today and give yourselves and your partner a new hope in life.
