How Often Should You Get Tested for HIV?

For good reason, HIV is still one of the most frightening diseases around. Despite many positive developments in terms of HIV prevention and treatment over the past few years, there is still no cure for HIV. And HIV still poses a fatal threat. What’s potentially even scarier is that many individuals don’t have an understanding of the disease –– what its symptoms are and how they can get tested. Today, we aim to clear up some of the confusion surrounding this STD, and answer the question: how often should you get tested for HIV? 

Getting Tested

In reality, a person should get tested for HIV as often as they feel they need to. It’s possible to contract HIV from one sexual encounter, and early detection is key to managing and mitigating against the negative effects of this disease. Given that fact, we’d encourage anyone who’s concerned about their well-being to get tested regularly –– especially for serious STDs like HIV. Even if a person doesn’t experience any outward symptoms of HIV, the CDC recommends that adults receive an HIV test as a part of their regular healthcare routine. 

Calculating HIV Risk

It’s possible for anyone to contract HIV. However, HIV has affected certain groups inordinately in the past. To further the point, participating in certain activities can increase a person’s risk of contracting or transmitting HIV. Here are a few groups of people who should consider getting tested for HIV often: 

  • Men who have sex with other men.
  • Individuals who share needles.
  • Ethnic minorities.
  • Individuals who engage with multiple sex partners.
  • Individuals who have tested positive for an STD in the past. 

HIV Warning Signs

In addition to all of the above considerations, a person should seek medical attention ASAP if they begin to experience any of the following symptoms associated with HIV: 

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Fever
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Groin sores or swelling

HIV can often be difficult to diagnose in its early stages –– particularly because many of its symptoms bear a close resemblance to those of the flu. Also, as the disease develops, it’s possible for opportunistic infections to occur. These conditions are not directly related to HIV, but prey on the body’s weakened immune system as a result of HIV. 

HIV Testing

Getting tested for HIV is a straightforward and painless process. Medical professionals require a blood sample to deliver an HIV test result, and most diagnoses can be made after a short period of time –– in some instances as few as ten days following initial exposure. 

 

Leave a reply