An HIV test is a practical necessity for anyone who has had sexual intercourse in the past 15 years, even with a spouse or regular partner. The virus is transferred sexually, although also from mother to foetus if the mother is infected and in blood transfusions if HIV blood is used. HIV knows no racial, sexual or class differences. It can affect anyone, anywhere at any time.
It is vital to know your HIV status so you can make the right health decisions. A quick HIV test will put your mind at ease. It is best to go to a clinic or one of many HIV test sites. Your family doctor can also carry out an HIV blood test. The results will be confidential. Clinics and medical practitioners have HIV test kits that they use to conduct the test. You can order one online and conduct your own at home HIV test, but it is better to involve medical professionals so that you get an accurate HIV test result.
People who have had an HIV test say that it is amazing how a fast HIV test changes their outlook and their lives. In the overwhelming majority of cases, HIV blood testing shows up negative, meaning that the person concerned has a clean bill of health. In the few instances where a rapid HIV test shows the person to be infected, usually a second test is done, just to be sure. If you have had the test done by a medical professional, counseling will be available and you can then move on to getting the right medication in the form of ARVs and adapting your lifestyle to accommodate your HIV status.
