CONTACT
Olga Dack, Office of Communications, (402) 471-9356,
olga.dack@nebraska.gov
Lincoln – “My Test, My Way" has been selected as the theme for the 2021 National HIV Testing Day, scheduled for Sunday, June 27. This year's theme highlights the need to take charge of a person's health by getting tested in a manner that works best for an individual, whether it be by self-testing or going to a testing site. This day hopes to raise awareness of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in communities and with healthcare providers, in order to reduce any stigma that surrounds this disease.
Currently, three types of HIV tests are available: nucleic acid tests (NAT), antigen/antibody tests, and antibody tests. HIV tests are typically performed on blood or oral fluid, but may also be performed on urine. Healthcare providers can determine the best test for an individual. Except for the NAT test, which may take several days, other tests may be ready within as little as 30 minutes.
However, no HIV test can detect the virus immediately after infection. If a person thinks that they have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, they should talk to a health care provider right away. HIV is a virus that damages the immune system. Untreated HIV affects and kills CD4 cells, which are a type of immune cell called T cell. Over time, as HIV kills more CD4 cells, the body is more likely to get various types of conditions and cancers. HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal/rectal fluids, and breast milk. The virus isn't transferred in air or water, or through casual contact.
The first few weeks after someone contracts HIV are called the acute infection stage. During this time, the virus reproduces rapidly. The person's immune system responds by producing HIV antibodies, which are proteins that take measures to respond against infection. During this stage, some people have no symptoms at first. However, many people do experience symptoms in the first month or so after contracting the virus. These symptoms vary from person to person and can be very similar to those of the flu or other seasonal viruses – fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, general aches and pains, skin rash, sore throat, nausea, and headache. Because these symptoms are similar to common illnesses, people who have them might not think they need to see a healthcare provider. And even if they do, their healthcare provider might suspect the flu or mononucleosis and might not even consider HIV.
Whether a person has symptoms or not, their viral load is very high during the acute stage. The viral load is the amount of HIV found in the bloodstream. A high viral load means that HIV can be easily transmitted to someone else during this time.
The time between when a person may have been exposed to HIV and when a test is done to determine if the virus is present is called the 'window period'. This length of time varies from person to person and depends on the type of test used to detect HIV.
If a HIV test is performed after potential exposure to HIV and the result is negative, a person should be tested again after the window period even if there hasn't been an additional potential HIV exposure during that window period. If additional exposure has occurred during this period, then retesting is absolutely necessary.
With a positive result, a follow-up test should be done to confirm the results. If the follow-up test is also positive, it means that HIV is present and the person is HIV-positive. It is important that medical care and HIV treatment is started as soon as the diagnosis occurs. Antiretroviral therapy, or ART, is recommended for all people with HIV, regardless of how long they've had the virus or how healthy they are. This therapy works by lowering the amount of virus in the body to very low levels, making the viral load so low that a test cannot detect it. HIV medicine slows the progression of HIV and helps protect the immune system. If HIV medicine is taken as prescribed, and an undetectable viral load is accomplished and kept at that level, a person can stay healthy for many years. Having an undetectable viral load also helps prevent transmitting the virus to others, and there is effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner through sex.
Receiving a diagnosis of HIV can be life changing. People can feel many emotions including sadness, hopelessness, or anger. Health care providers have the tools to help work through the early stages of a diagnosis and begin management of HIV. If a provider does not have the knowledge to treat HIV, they can refer an individual to a specialist. To get help with access to medical care, Nebraskans can refer to Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Ryan-White.aspx).
It is important to note that a positive result for HIV does not mean that you have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV disease; HIV can lead to AIDS if a person does not get treatment or take care of their health. But if a person with HIV takes their medicine as prescribed, they may stay healthy for many years and may never be diagnosed with AIDS.
An HIV diagnosis is a diagnosis for life, but with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Those with HIV who get effective treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.