To be sure…get HIV/AIDS tested

Dimapur, November 26 (MExN): The Nagaland State AIDs Control Society today urged all in concern to get tested for HIV/AIDS. “The risk of HIV and AIDS is not with those who know their status but with those who do not know their HIV status. An individual who is infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) will not develop the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) immediately. The immune system of the individual will wage a consistent and prolonged war with the virus, right from the day of infection, delaying the onset of AIDS by many years,” a circular from the IEC of the NSACS stated today.
There are a number of good reasons to get HIV tested: HIV testing is the only way to tell if one is infected; if one is worried that  he has HIV and finds out he is not, it will  ease the mind. “Then you can take steps not to put yourself at risk again!” the NSACS stated.  But then again, NSACS said, “If you have HIV, getting proper treatment can help protect your health. You can also learn how to protect others.” If one is sexually active, getting tested yearly may be considered. “This is especially important if you or any of your past or present sex partners have ever had sex without condom: 100% sexual protection means ‘No Sex’; shared needles or Syringes: Either for injecting drugs, tattooing, piercing or any reason.”
If one has had more than one sex partner, his chances of having been with someone who has HIV, go up. Another aspect to consider HIV test is blood transfusion, NSACS stated. If one has had a blood transfusion using untested blood, it is informed that HIV is also spread through infected blood.
“HIV tests come with counseling, before and after, to let you know about the test, what the result mean and what you should do if you have HIV.
The challenge before us is to make all HIV-infected people in the country aware of their status so that they adopt healthy lifestyles and prevent the transmission of HIV to others, and access life-saving care and treatment. Counseling and testing services are an important component of prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in the state,” NSACS stated. The NSACS assured that people who are found HIV-negative are supported with information and counseling to reduce risks and remain HIV-negative while those who are found HIV-positive are provided psychosocial support and linked to treatment and care.

 

STOP HIV...Get Tested!