Introduction
Aids is developed from the virus HIV or human immunodeficiency virus. HIV affects a person's immune system making the immune system weaker. HIV is widespread and has killed some 28 million people worldwide. It is thought to have started in Africa and spread to the United States. There are two types of HIV, HIV 1 and HIV 2. The HIV virus works by destroying a person's T cells. Your T cells are what enables you to fight off viruses and infections. When your T cell count is low this is when you are vulnerable to becoming ill.
Testing For Aids
If you suspect that you may have been exposed to the HIV virus you should go and get Aids testing. There are many different places where you can get testing for Aids whether you have insurance or not. If you are covered by some form of insurance even Medicaid you can go to your physician and ask to be tested for Aids.
If you are like many Americans who are without any form of insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid there is still help for you to find Aids testing. Your local health department should be able to help. Call up your health department and ask if they do testing for Aids.
How Is Aids Spread?
Many people have the misconception about how Aids is spread. These people live in fear thinking if a HIV infected person simply touches them than they will become infected. This just is not true. HIV is spread through bodily fluids from sexual intercourse and through the sharing of needles. The HIV virus can not live outside of the body. It can not be spread through the air, insects, water, saliva, tears or sweat, any casual contact such as hugging or shaking a person's hands, and kissing.
Information On Aids Testing
Who should exactly be tested for Aids? Anyone who has had multiple sex partners and/or had sex without any condom on could be at risk of infection as well as those who have injected drugs with needles and if you have previously been diagnosed with another STD such as syphilis.
How long after exposure to a potential HIV virus should you get tested? The average person after being exposed will form enough antibodies within two to eight weeks with average being 25 days. In rare cases it can take up to 6 months for the antibodies to show. In 97 percent of people the antivirus showed within three months.
How does a HIV test work? When HIV is present in someone's body it begins to make antibodies. The HIV test works by finding these HIV antibodies present in a person's body. There are a few ways the test can be performed either through blood, saliva or urine. The results for the tests can take up to a few days, but some test results can be done in as little as 20 minutes. If your Aids testing comes back positive you will need to take another to confirm the results.
There is available testing kits for Aids a person can do in the privacy of their own home. After taking the test and mailing it in you will have a phone number to call in to get the results. If the test is positive you will be given a list of referrals for another test along with resources for treatment.
