Get tested
It all starts with a test!
The only way to find out your HIV status is to be tested. Getting tested is easier than you think, and it allows you to put yourself in control of your health.
Taking a test can be daunting, but knowing your HIV status is critical.
Taking an HIV test gives you peace of mind because knowing is reassuring. We now have rapid tests, which means you can find out the results in minutes. Once you know your status, you are accountable for your own health, as well as the health of those with whom you are having sex with. It is recommended to test at least twice a year. Make it a habit!
Testing frequently is necessary since there can be a time lag between the possibility of infection and when a test will provide an accurate result. You may have just contracted HIV but received a negative result because the test is too early to detect it.
How Do You Test?
Getting tested is easy; it is free and usually takes less than 30 minutes. It can be done in a hospital, clinic, or community health centre, or even at home. Most HIV tests involve a blood sample, either drawn or pricked; although, some tests use oral fluid or urine. Nonetheless, blood tests are the most accurate. The length of time it takes to receive your results is determined by the type of test you are taking.
Types of Tests
Rapid HIV Tests
Most rapid tests look for antibodies by taking a prick of blood from your finger. As the name suggests, rapid tests give results very quickly and usually you can get your results within 20 minutes. While these tests are reliable they can only detect HIV antibodies three months after exposure.
Self-testing
With HIV self-testing kits, you can test for the virus in the privacy of your own home. Make sure that the test is approved by the Ministry of Health. You’ll have your findings in about 20 minutes, just like with the rapid tests. Make sure to follow the directions on the kit.
What Do My Results Mean?
Negative Result:
If your test result comes back as ‘non-reactive’, this means that you are negative and don’t have HIV. That’s great, but remember that different HIV tests can only detect HIV up to three months after exposure, so having regular tests is still advised.
Now it’s time to ensure you keep your negative status by using condoms, or if you are at high risk for infection, PrEP will help to protect you.
If you know anyone who is worried about HIV and their status, encourage them to take a test.
Positive Result
If your test result comes back as ‘reactive’, this means that you are positive and have HIV. A healthcare worker will talk to you about what this means and what your treatment options are.
The sooner you are on Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) the sooner you can achieve an Undetectable Viral Load (UVL). Having an Undetectable Viral Load reduces the harmful effects of HIV on your body and prevents you from transmitting HIV to your partner(s). If you follow your treatment as instructed it is possible to lead a healthy, normal life.
Of course, receiving a positive result can be an emotional experience, this is completely normal. The healthcare worker is there to support you and to answer any questions that you have.
