Why Routine HIV Testing Is Vital for Your Health

HIV testing can help patients understand their current health and prevent spreading the virus to others. Although there continues to be a stigma around HIV, urgent care and primary care providers work hard to make the patient comfortable throughout the testing process. Looking into the basics of HIV and routine testing can reveal how vital it may be to maintaining your long-term health.

An overview of HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, attacks white blood cells known as CD4 cells in the body and weakens the immune system. As a result, the patient is more susceptible to serious illness. Common ways through which HIV is spread include sexual contact, contaminated needles, and infected blood. A parent may also spread HIV to their baby while breastfeeding or during pregnancy and childbirth.

Unfortunately, there is still a stigma around HIV, even though anyone can get it. One way to fight back against this is to normalize routine HIV testing.

The link between HIV and AIDS

Untreated HIV can lead to the development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, AIDS can be thought of as the most severe stage of HIV infection. Just like how anyone can get HIV, anyone can develop AIDS if untreated.

The importance of routine HIV testing

Regular testing is essential for early detection and prevention of HIV transmission. It also makes timely intervention possible and lowers the risk of an HIV infection progressing into AIDS. A test from an urgent care, primary care, or other healthcare provider is the only way to confirm HIV infection.

Making HIV testing a priority also enhances community health by stopping the spread of the virus. Through routine testing, healthcare providers can treat patients who may not be aware of their HIV status, reducing the risk of spreading the virus to others.

HIV testing recommendations: How often is routine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that patients between the ages of 13 and 64 get HIV testing at least once to determine their health status. However, more frequent HIV testing is recommended based on individual risk factors. Patients who should get tested annually include those who:

• Are men who have sex with men
• Have had sex with multiple partners since their last HIV test
• Have unprotected anal or vaginal sex with someone who tested positive for HIV
• Have been exposed to a contaminated needle or syringe
• Have shared drug injection or preparation equipment, including cookers
• Have another sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Have been diagnosed with hepatitis or tuberculosis

Note that some urgent care and primary care providers may recommend more frequent HIV testing for patients who use intravenous drugs or are with an HIV-positive partner. This may mean getting a test every three to six months. It is also a good idea to get tested when pregnant, regardless of any negative HIV test results in the past, to prevent parent-to-child transmission.

Get tested to stay informed and healthy

Regular HIV testing can be tailored to personal risk levels to maintain your health and prevent the spread of the virus. For your health and peace of mind, consult Millennium Medical Care Herndon. Call our Herndon office to schedule quick and efficient HIV testing today.

Request an appointment here: https://herndon.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Herndon at (703) 743-7849 for an appointment in our Downey office.

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