HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) causes AIDS. It is transmitted through the body fluids of someone carrying HIV, such as blood or semen. The virus is also transmitted through sexuality or by using the same needle.
Additionally, a pregnant woman who is an HIV carrier can transmit the virus to her baby. The virus is also transmitted to the baby through breastfeeding.
After HIV passes into the blood, it targets the immune system. As the immune system weakens, the body's resistance to other
diseases and infections decreases. Diagnosis of AIDS occurs when the immune system of a person with HIV is disrupted, for example when it cannot cope with pneumonia, or when some cancers or infections occur. There are two types of the virus called HIV, 1 and 2.
Why should it be tested?
It may take months or years for HIV infection to progress to AIDS. If not tested, the person will not know that he/she has this virus until he/she becomes ill. Knowing whether you have HIV is important for you and others
to stay healthy. With early diagnosis and early initiation of anti-HIV treatment, you will be healthy for a longer period of time and your chances of transmitting the virus to other people will be reduced. By being informed about their HIV
status, women will be able to take precautions
to protect themselves from unplanned pregnancy. Additionally, women with HIV need to maintain optimal health
during pregnancy. By receiving treatment during pregnancy, they reduce the chance of transmitting the virus to their babies.
Who should be tested?
HIV testing is part of the health check. People between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once in their lives. Additionally, women who are planning pregnancy or are pregnant should also
get tested. If you have the risks listed below, I recommend that you get tested once a year:
Those who use needles to inject drugs while using drugs
People who have an HIV-infected sexual partner or a partner who uses drugs
People who have money or Those who have sex for drugs
Your partner after your last HIV test has been with men before If you have a history of HIV infection.
If you have had more than one sexual partner since your last HIV test.
You can have the HIV test at any time, even if you have no risk factors. If you are over age 64
and have risk factors for HIV, you should continue annual testing. If you have a new sexual partner, it would be very useful for both of you to have an HIV test before starting sexual intercourse.
How is the HIV test done?
The HIV test can be done at your affiliated health center or private laboratory. or you can have it done at the doctor's office
. In the recommended HIV test, the proteins formed against HIV in your blood and the p24 substance, known as the HIV antigen
are examined.
Rapid tests that give results in as little as 1 hour are also performed in some clinics. There are also tests performed at home using a blood sample taken from saliva or a fingertip. I recommend that you choose the FDA-approved ones of these tests.
Positive or reactive results in screening tests do not necessarily indicate that you are infected with HIV.
No matter which screening test you have had, when the result is positive, be sure to take a confirmation test.
you need to have it done. In confirmatory tests, the genetic structure of HIV is searched in the blood sample you provide.
It may take 2 weeks to get the results of this test. If this test result is positive, it means that you are carrying HIV, that is, you have been infected with the virus.
You have been diagnosed with HIV carrier; So what is the next process?
Receiving a positive test result means that you carry this virus and you can unintentionally
infect the people around you. A positive test result does not mean that you will get AIDS or get sick
. If you are an HIV carrier, you should consult your doctor even if you do not feel sick. You can only be directed to health groups that undertake the care and treatment of people infected with HIV (who catch the virus).
HIV test in pregnant women
HIV test is among the tests requested during the checks performed at the beginning of pregnancy. It usually happens. If
has not been done, please contact your doctor and ask for it to be done. If you have risk factors, get tested in the last 3 months of your pregnancy. Here's how your risk level has increased: It is determined by the presence of one of the factors:
Having been treated for a sexually transmitted disease before
Being a drug addict using intravenous drugs or having had sexual intercourse with such a person
Having had sexual intercourse for drugs or money
Living in an area with high HIV positivity
Having sex with new or more than one person during your pregnancy
Having sex with someone who is HIV positive or having sex with someone at high risk for HIV
If you are pregnant and HIV positive, this virus can also be passed on to your baby. The good news is that receiving treatment during
your pregnancy and receiving treatment for your baby after birth will prevent your baby from catching this virus
. Receiving treatment throughout pregnancy will keep you healthy, too. Treatments given to HIV-positive women
during pregnancy:
Use HIV medications regularly as prescribed
If your HIV level is high in laboratory tests, give birth by cesarean section
Take your HIV medications during birth.
Give your baby HIV preventive or therapeutic medications after birth
Do not breastfeed
Thanks to these recommendations, 99% of women carrying HIV do not transmit the virus to their babies.
If you have an HIV test during your pregnancy. If not, be sure to ask for rapid HIV tests
when you go to give birth. If the result is positive, that is, carrying the virus, confirmatory tests are required
. While waiting for the results of this test, you can use HIV medications, and your baby can also use these medications in the first days. In this way, if your result is positive, your baby will be highly protected. After it is confirmed that you are an HIV
carrier, you should continue treatment and follow-up. For your own health, you should continue taking HIV
treatment medications, and you should also keep your baby monitored. If the test result
is negative, this shows that neither you nor your baby are at risk of carrying the virus and you can stop taking the medications you are using.
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