Getting tested for HIV can be an emotional and difficult decision. Many different implications may be involved. Different implications should not prevent a person from being tested if she has put herself at risk. Public health and health care providers must address these issues so that people who need to get tested feel comfortable and are cared for appropriately.
Psychological
Because HIV is a deadly illness with many different stigmas attached, a positive test result can be devastating psychologically for some. Issues can include shame, guilt, anger and fear. Appropriate counseling services and psychological support systems must be made available to assist those with a positive HIV test result.
Stigma and Myths
Because there are so many different myths about HIV and stigmas related to who has HIV, there are social implications for taking the test. HIV is a disease that affects people of all races, socioeconomic classes and with different sexual orientations. Despite this, people may still believe HIV is a disease that only is transmitted in same-sex relationships.
Timing Considerations
HIV antibodies may not develop in the blood until three months after exposure, according to AVERT. This is called seroconversion. This means that a person who has put himself at risk yesterday may not have an HIV-positive test for three months. It's important for people getting tested to understand this, along with the importance of getting re-tested if necessary and not engaging in high-risk activity.
Health
Once a positive test is confirmed, the person should be referred to an infectious disease doctor who can do further testing to see whether antiviral medication is necessary. Antiviral medications for HIV can help prevent or delay the progression to AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS can be deadly.
Prevention Considerations
Being tested for HIV with a medical provider or counselor and tester is an opportunity for learning about prevention. A person being tested should use this time to discuss his own risky behavior, risk factors for HIV and--if his test is negative--how he might prevent himself from getting HIV in the future.
