Author: Zhang Wei (Beijing Ditan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University)
What should I do right away if I suspect I may have HIV?
First of all, we must firmly believe that AIDS is currently a preventable and treatable disease. Once suspected, seek diagnosis immediately;
Once diagnosed, antiviral therapy should be administered immediately to control the progression of the disease.
The method of early detection of AIDS provides the possibility for early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment.
1. When should HIV testing be considered?
If you meet the following conditions, it is recommended to go to a professional health care facility for HIV-related testing.
1. People who are sexually active, do not have a fixed sexual partner, inject drugs or have gay men who are prone to HIV infection.
2. A history of high-risk behavior or exposure to HIV, such as a history of dirty sex.
3. HIV testing is recommended for all pregnant women.
4. For people who have never been tested for HIV, doctors generally recommend screening for AIDS, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis during physical examination.
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People may be reluctant to get tested for HIV out of fear or embarrassment, or they may take a chance because they don’t have any discomfort despite a history of suspected exposure.
It is worth noting that not all HIV-infected people have obvious symptoms in the early stage, and even if there are obvious early symptoms, and because these symptoms are not unique to AIDS, they are very It is easy to be mistaken for influenza, or infectious mononucleosis, etc., and the opportunity for diagnosis is lost.
Therefore, the point that doctors repeatedly emphasize is that if you have high-risk exposure, you should go to a professional medical institution for an examination. This is a responsible approach to yourself, otherwise you will miss the best treatment. Timing, but also increases the chance of contagion to sexual partners.
Second, the timing of HIV testing after a history of high-risk exposure
Window period: The period from HIV infection to the time before infection markers such as HIV antibodies, antigens or nucleic acids in the serum of the infected person can be detected.
Current diagnostics have window periods of about 3, 2, and 1 week after infection to detect HIV antibodies, antigens, and nucleic acids, respectively.
During the window period, the patient has been infected with the virus but cannot be diagnosed by testing.
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3. What should I do if I test positive for HIV?
If testing shows HIV infection, aggressive steps need to be taken to prevent transmission of the virus among sexual partners.
The first thing to do is to seek the help of a doctor, ask the doctor to evaluate the condition, and receive standard antiviral treatment. What needs to be understood is that AIDS is currently a disease that can achieve long-term remission and stability through treatment.
Early treatment can inhibit viral expansion, reduce viral levels in the blood, and maintain normal immunity for as long as possible.
Antiretroviral therapy can not only avoid or delay the progression of the disease to AIDS, but also reduce the risk of infection to sexual partners, and if the patient is pregnant, it will also reduce the chance of fetal infection.
In addition to actively receiving antiviral treatment, strict protective measures should be taken to prevent others from contacting their own blood, semen and other body fluids containing the virus and causing transmission.
Image source: Zhanku Hailuo
4. What should the spouses, family members, close friends and colleagues of AIDS patients pay attention to?
First, go to a professional medical facility for an HIV test, and if the test is positive, follow the advice above.
If the test result is negative, then there is no need to be overly fearful in the process of subsequent contact with an AIDS patient. In fact, friends, colleagues, familyDaily life contact will not cause HIV infection.
If you are a spouse, you need to pay special attention to the possibility of HIV transmission during sex, avoid unsafe sex, and be sure to take protective measures during sex, such as Science, wear condoms all the way.
*The content of this article is for the popularization of health knowledge. It cannot be used as a specific diagnosis and treatment recommendation, nor can it replace the face-to-face consultation of a licensed physician. It is for reference only.
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