What is HIV?
The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes AIDS. The virus functions by targeting and deteriorating the body’s immune system. The body, as a result, loses its internal defense force and it has a tougher time combating infection and disease. Persons can contract the virus and not even know, because signs and symptoms will possibly not manifest for several years. Once in your body, HIV can do serious damage to the immune system. People may appear totally healthy but still have HIV and pass it unknowingly to others. An HIV test is the only way to discover if you are infected with HIV.
Should I Be Tested for HIV?
Testing is encouraged for individuals who have engaged in risky acts like sharing needles as well as unprotected sex.
How is HIV spread?
Most commonly, HIV spreads through sex with a partner who’s already infected with the virus. The virus makes its way into one’s body through the vaginal lining, penis, mouth, or rectum.
HIV can also be spread by directly coming into contact with HIV infected blood.
Women might spread HIV to their infants during pregnancy or through delivery. Close to one-quarter to one-third of HIV-infected females will pass the infection to their infants if they do not receive medication for the virus.
What test is advised to diagnose HIV?
HIV/EIA (Elisa)
HIV status is assessed by the EIA (enzyme immunoassay). This specific test looks for antibodies made by the immune system whenever an individual is infected with HIV. EIA is not 100% effective right after coming in contact with HIV. The HIV antibody will take time to attain quantities the EIA test can detect. For this reason, contact our STD counselor to see if you are inside the EIA “window period”.
HIV PCR by DNA
HIV produces genetic material which can be detected 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 monitoring of the viral load following original infection.
HIV Symptoms
HIV infection symptoms. Should you be showing any of these signs or symptoms, please call 1-877-516-4380.
- Dry cough
- Weight reduction
- Diarrhea enduring more than one week
- Severe fatigue
- Unusual spots or white spots on your tongue, throat or mouth
- Lymph glands in your armpits, groin or neck which are inflamed
- Pneumonia
- Brown, purple, pink or red blotches found on or underneath skin, inner eyelids, mouth or nose.
- Depression, loss of memory, or some other neurological disorders
It is tough to say for sure the time period HIV needs to progress to AIDS. It all depends on aspects of each persons lifestyle, age, and immunity to other diseases. Also, advanced antiretroviral medications have increased the time it requires HIV to develop into AIDS.
