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What is AIDS?
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a
condition where the body’s immune system is so weakened that it becomes
helpless against infections and diseases that are normally harmless. AIDS is
caused by the AIDS virus, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). A person with
AIDS eventually dies of variety of serious diseases and rare cancers.
How is HIV, the AIDS
virus, transmitted?
HIV is passed on through the exchange of body
fluids. It is transmitted in 3 main ways:
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Through unprotected sexual intercourse with an
infected person.
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Through infected blood and blood products.
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From an infected pregnant mother to the child
she is carrying
How do you know for
sure if you’re infected?
You can’t tell who’s infected just by looking at
them, because people infected with HIV can feel and look perfectly healthy.
The only sure way to know is by taking a special blood test called the HIV
Antibody Test.
What is the HIV Antibody Test?
The HIV Antibody Test is a simple (and painless)
blood test that detects the presence of HIV antibodies in the body.
Antibodies are proteins that are developed by the body to fight off any
infection caused by viruses or bacteria that enters its system. In the case
of HIV infections, HIV antibodies are incapable of fighting off HIV and HIV
infection. There are several steps to this test. First a small blood sample
is taken and screened using a particular test method (e.g. the ELISA
method). If it shows a positive result the test will be repeated. A second
positive result will required another blood sample to be obtained for
further confirmation tests.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means HIV antibodies have been
detected in the blood. This means that you are infected with HIV and are
capable of infecting others. It does not necessarily mean that you have AIDS
and will soon die. If your test result is positive it is vital that you have
regular medical check-ups, at least every four months. If these blood tests
indicate that HIV infection is progressing there are a range of treatment
options available, as well as support, counselling and information services
run by, and for, people with HIV.
What steps do you need to take?
A negative result does not mean that you can
relax, or that you are immune to HIV. If you think your lifestyle may expose
you to HIV infection in the future, you may want to reconsider behaviour
that puts you at risk. When it comes to sexual behaviour, if you remain
sexually active, you should use condoms each time you have sex.
Should
I take the test?
This is a decision you can make for yourself.
You may want to take the test if you or your partner have engaged in risky
behaviour. This could include:
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Sharing needles or syringes to inject dadah
(drugs) |
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Sex with someone whom you know or suspect
was infected with HIV. |
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Sex with many different partners. |
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Sex with someone who would answer “yes” to
any of the above questions. |
You may also choose to take the test to:
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Alert you to the need to seek medical care
and prevent or delay life-threatening illness. |
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Help you protect your sexual partners from
infection. |
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Help you determine the safety of having a
baby. |
On
the other hand, you may feel that you can’t cope with knowing the results
right now. You may decide that you need more information and
counselling before going ahead with
the test. The choice is yours.
Are the
results of the test private and confidential?
Yes. Even though incidences of HIV infection are
notifiable to the Ministry of Health, records on your identity and test
results are private and confidential.
Where can I take the test?
You can take the test at any clinic, hospital
outpatient department, private laboratory or even your own family doctor.
Make sure the facility that you choose offers
counselling services both before and
after the test is done. It is important that the person counselling you
explains the meaning of your test results and the subsequent steps you need
to take. Also make sure that your friends and family are available to help
you deal with the results.
It is
up to you to decide if you would like to undergo the test. Perhaps in your
case, knowing your result, even if you are infected, may be less stressful
than the anxiety of thinking you might be infected but not knowing it.
Whatever the case, ensure that you seek
counselling to help you make a decision you’re comfortable with.
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