Since the late 1970s, human immunodeficiency virus,
or HIV, has been a significant health issue in the United States and around the
world. Currently, there are almost 1.2 million people in the U.S. who are
living with HIV. Although there is still no cure, with proper medical care and
antiretroviral therapy, the virus can be controlled and managed in most
patients.
But despite this good news, there is still a serious
problem that must be addressed: Nearly one in five people with HIV are unaware
that they are infected. This means they are not seeking treatment, and worse,
they can pass the virus to others without knowing it. People who are unaware of
their positive HIV status also have a greater risk of developing serious medical
issues, or dying at a younger age (CDC, 2011).
On June 27th, 1995, the National
Association of People with AIDS sponsored the first National HIV Testing Day in
order to promote awareness of the disease, and to encourage HIV testing and
early diagnosis. The event is still held annually, every June 27th,
and is now sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(Minnesota Dept. of Health, 2014).
Who should be tested for HIV? According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone between the ages of 13 and
64 should be tested at least once, as part of a general health screening. More
frequent testing is advisable for individuals who are at greater risk of
contracting HIV. This includes those who are sexually active with more than one
partner, those who are intravenous drug users, and/or share drug paraphernalia
with others, and anyone who trades sex for money or drugs. For individuals in
these categories, HIV testing is recommended at least once a year, and ideally
will be done at least every six months (CDC, 2014).
Also at a greater risk for HIV are individuals who
have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease, such as
syphilis, or those who have been diagnosed or treated for tuberculosis or
hepatitis. Finally, any person who has been the victim of a sexual assault
should be tested for HIV (CDC, 2014).
Testing for HIV is a fast, easy, and relatively
painless process. The most commonly used test for HIV is the antibody screening
test, also called the immunoassay test. This test may be conducted in a
laboratory, or can be done in a more rapid method which will provide almost
immediate results. By using a small amount of blood from a finger prick, or oral
fluid from a cheek swab, the rapid test can detect HIV antibodies in the body.
Some of the newer tests are the most accurate ever
used, and can detect HIV as little as three weeks after exposure to the virus.
When an immunoassay test indicates the individual is positive for HIV
antibodies, a follow-up diagnostic test will be ordered by the health care
provider. These more detailed tests help to determine the level of infection
present. An antibody differentiation test distinguishes HIV-1 from HIV-2; an
HIV-1 nucleic acid test looks for the virus directly, an indirect
immunofluorescense assay test will detect antibodies (CDC, 2014).
Testing positive for HIV can be a frightening
experience, but the earlier the diagnosis is made, and medical treatment is
sought, the more positive the health outcome for the patient. The medications
used to treat and manage HIV are very effective for most individuals, and help
to lower the amount of the virus that is present in the body, which will keep
the patient healthier. By keeping the virus controlled with medication, the
risk of transmission to others is also reduced. And finally, early detection
and treatment of HIV helps to decrease the number of individuals who develop
AIDS (CDC, 2011).
The theme for this year’s National HIV Testing Day
is “Take the Test. Take Control,” and the event will be observed across the
country, with a variety of activities. In Denton, Health Services of North Texas,
located at 4210 Mesa Dr., provides free HIV testing, and, the Denton County
Public Health Department offers confidential and anonymous HIV testing, by
appointment, for a $20 fee.
For more information about HIV and AIDS, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, is a valuable resource. http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/HIVtesting/index.html
And if you’d like to find a testing center or other
special events for National HIV Testing Day, please click on the link below for
more information for your local area. http://hivtest.cdc.gov/press_files/
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). New Hope for Stopping HIV. Retrieved
from: http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/HIVtesting/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014).
HIV/AIDS Testing. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
Minnesota Department of Health. (2014). National HIV Testing Day, June 27, 2014 Fact
Sheet. Retrieved from: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/hiv/testingday/hivtestingday.pdf
Written by: Kelly Greene
Ms. Greene is a Health Studies graduate student completing her MS in the fall of 2014. Her emphasis is Community Health, and her passion is finding a solution to the problem of food insecurity in the U.S. She received a BA in Exercise and Sport Studies from UTA in 1998.
Ms. Greene is a Health Studies graduate student completing her MS in the fall of 2014. Her emphasis is Community Health, and her passion is finding a solution to the problem of food insecurity in the U.S. She received a BA in Exercise and Sport Studies from UTA in 1998.
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