The Human immunodeficiency virus incapacitates and increases the chance of acquiring AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Someone who has HIV may not necessarily acquire AIDS; however, with a debilitated immune system, several kind of infections and cancers can easily pounce on.
For many, HIV infected patients, the amelioration to AIDS is pretty slow and it may take several years for AIDS to develop, hence it may call for quite a few hiv tests to diagnose AIDS.
Potential Causes of HIV-
In Australia, unprotected sex and sharing needles are the most common causes of AIDS. Other potential causes of AIDS are:
– Blood transfusions- especially if performed in Australia between 1980-1985
– From an HIV infected mother to the child
– Unsafe oral sex between male and female can also be a cause of AIDS. It has relatively low transmission rate though.
– Sharing needles or needle stick injury can also cause AIDS to come about.
Symptoms of HIV-
The symptoms of HIV are pretty close to commonly known illnesses. If you suspect that you are suffering from any of the symptoms below, then you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
– Constant and Extreme Tiredness
– Diarrhoea
– Reduced Appetite
– Continuous Coughing
– Meteoric Weight Loss
What If you Are HIV Positive?
Prevention is better than cure, hence if you suspect you may be HIV positive, you must soon get a test done. There are numerous ways of getting HIV testing done, HIV home test kit being one of the safest and confidential methods. A test kit allows you to carry out HIV testing from the comfort of your home without putting confidentiality at risk or worrying about probable humiliation. A positive result can trigger the feelings of anxiety, distress, shock or anger, hence the clinics offering HIV testing must make counselling top priority before and after the test is carried out.
Know Your Rights Before Going For a Test-
Before you choose to get HIV testing done at your doctor’s surgery or a sexual health clinic, you must be aware of your rights. Your test must be voluntary and carried out with your consent. You should be informed about what’s involved in the test, including the procedure and duration. It’s against the law to discriminate against the HIV infected and hence not only tests results but also the fact that one underwent any test must be kept confidential.
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