Today almost 37.9 million people are infected from HIV while only 78% are aware of the infection. This is not just a threat to their own lives, but they can also spread the disease without even knowing. Most people avoid HIV screening because there aren’t any possible cures yet. So, if the result comes out to be positive, their life would be at stake, but if someone is carrying the HIV, their health will likely deteriorate anyway. But most people don’t know that if the infection can be detected at its early stage, it can be controlled with post or Post Exposure Prophylaxis HIV Treatment.
Yes, there may not be any medication available yet that can cure HIV, but certain medications and guidelines can help you to lead a normal and healthy life. To do that screening is important as the sooner you get the results, the sooner the doctors can start the treatment.
Who Needs to Go for Regular HIV Screening?
Every one after completing their puberty should go for regular HIV screening. Even parents should encourage their kids to go for HIV screening when they enter adulthood.
But if you have the following conditions, you must go for HIV screening as soon as possible.
- If you have multiple sex partners
- Have had one or multiple intercourses without condoms
- Have had sex with a stranger without condoms or pre-exposure prophylaxis medication
- Your current or old partner has tested positive for HIV
- Share needles with others to inject the drug
- If you are beginning a new relationship, both of you should go for HIV screening
- If a person has certain symptoms like syphilis or herpes or Chlamydia
If a person contacts to HIV, early detection can help in the following ways:
- There are healthcare providers to provide strength
- Lower the risk of any serious threats
- Will restrict HIV to enter in phase 3
Early treatment can increase the life expectancy of the infected person and will also prevent them from spreading the infection to others. Besides, the treatment will help them to lead a normal life just like any other person with a few guidelines.
But you need to very precise about it and even if you see any symptoms, visit your nearest HIV screening clinic. For example, people with syphilis have greater chances of contracting HIV. So, if you see any symptoms of syphilis, go for a syphilis test and an HIV test.
Tests Are Used to Monitor HIV
Your doctor will conduct several tests to monitor HIV, but the two most common ones are CD4 count and viral load.
CD4 Count
HIV targets and destroys our CD4 cells, which is a type of white blood cells in our body. Eventually, HIV infection will decrease the CD4 count and then attack the cells. When a person’s CD4 count falls below 200per cubic milliliter of blood, they will enter the 3rd phase of HIV or AIDS.
Regular screening will detect the virus early and without any delays, the treatment will start. Early treatment will also include maintaining enough CD4 that can prevent the 3rd phase of HIV development.
Viral Load
Viral load is a test that is done to measure the amount of HIV in your blood cells. If the viral load of a person is low or undetectable, there will be fewer chances of developing HIV at its 3rd stage. If the viral load is lower, there will be fewer chances of spreading the infection.
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