If you are worried that you might have been exposed to HIV/AIDS, you may want
to consider taking the HIV antibody test to find out whether or not you are infected.
The test detects the presence of antibodies to HIV in the blood. Keep in mind that
HIV antibodies may go undetected for up to 6 months from the initial contact. Be
sure to get tested every six months if you believe that you may be at risk. Testing
positive for HIV does not mean that you have AIDS. HIV can remain hidden for as
many as ten years before symptoms appear. Knowing whether you have been infected
by HIV does not mean that you should stop practicing safer sex.Getting tested
for HIV is a personal decision that should not be taken lightly. It is important to
think about why you want to get tested and what you will do once you know the results.
You should look for a testing center that provides counseling both before and after the
test to help you work through any fears, feelings, and questions. Testing can be done
at an "anonymous" test site to ensure that no one else has access to your test results.
If the state that you live in only offers "confidential" testing be aware that depending
on the laws of that state, information about your results can be revealed to insurance
companies, employers, or the board of health. Remember to ask at the test site whether
they do anonymous or confidential testing. | |
