HIV is one of the commonest sexually transmitted infections. It has affected almost the whole globe. Unfortunately, there is no cure for it. This means, if you contract this virus, it stays in your body till your last breath.
But things are not as grim as they sound. HIV can be managed. Millions of people are living with this virus today. They are living a normal life, even a sexually active life. You only must follow your doctor’s instructions and take the prescribed medications religiously.
However, all this can happen when you know you have HIV!
For this, you must undergo HIV test. HIV screening in Arlington is available at the nearest STD clinic.
Do YOU have the virus?
Many people carry this virus unknowingly. This is because HIV is mostly asymptomatic. It may show a sign or two, but they are too deceptive to be perceived as that of HIV.
One such example is skin rash. People often think it to be a normal skin disease and visit a dermatologist. They take the treatment and the rash goes away.
Only when you undergo a screening for HIV can you know whether the rash is due to the viral infection or just a skin condition.
Beware of this virus!
HIV can stay in the body for decades! Somebody getting HIV-positive test result may be shocked. They didn’t indulge in unprotected sex recently. Then how did they contract the virus?
Well, they may have engaged themselves in some unprotected sexual activity years before. The virus might be lurking inside their body. Today, they underwent a test and came out positive!
That’s the reason doctors urge all sexually active people to undergo HIV screening in Arlington or elsewhere atleast once in their lifetime.
Accepting your ‘HIV status’
Getting a positive test report does not mean the end of the world. Of course, it can be disheartening to know you are HIV positive, but medical science has advanced much since the HIV epidemic in 1980-81.
Today, you can avail yourselves appropriate and effective HIV treatment.
HIV negative but at high risk
People who are at a high risk of being exposed to the virus, but are not yet tested positive, are put under Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). This is a course of medication that helps to prevent the spread of virus. Generally, the treatment features one pill that you must take every day.
HIV positive
Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is one of the most effective and widely accepted HIV treatment around the world. You must start this treatment as soon as possible after you get the HIV-positive test report. The treatment consists of medications that you must take daily as per doctor’s instructions.
The medications help to suppress the viral load in the body. Once the viral load comes down to a certain limit, you are no longer infectious and can resume your sexual activity. At this stage, you are able to live a healthier and happier life.
However, all of the above start with one small, yet important step – get tested for HIV in Arlington or wherever you are.
