What are the reasons to have an HIV test?

Many people who have an HIV test have been worrying unnecessarily, for after getting a negative result in the test which means that the person is not infected with HIV, one can put his/her mind at rest and live peacefully. In case the test result proves to be positive, many preventive measures and other treatment measures can be undertaken to help the concerned person to cope up with the HIV positive result and look after restoration of his health.

If the test is positive, then the following actions could be taken:

• A doctor can keep an eye on your health and vouch for it. Many people who although test HIV positive, stay healthy and live long for several years. But if you fall ill, there are many drugs called antiretroviral that help to slow down the process of spreading of the virus and maintain vitality of your immune system. It is well said that “Prevention is better than cure” because medicines are available to prevent and treat some of the illnesses that generally erupt in people infected with HIV and may also have access to some of the trials of new drugs and treatments that originate after lots of constant research and development work which is being carried out throughout the world.

• If by any chance you do fall ill, the doctor shall take this complete charge very seriously as per your symptoms, only if they know for sure, that, you are a HIV positive patient.

• If you know that you are HIV positive, you must take defensive and protective measures in order to be protective and concerned for other people’s welfare and well being and not infect them otherwise. For example, by practicing safe sex and informing your past sexual partners.

• On coming to know of the fact, that, you are a HIV positive person, it may affect and restrict some of your future decisions & plans crucially important for you otherwise, for example starting an independent family of your own.