Understanding HIV/AIDS: Testing, Symptoms & Resources

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates 33.4 million people worldwide are living with HIV, as of 2008. Almost 1.5 million North Americans have HIV. AIDS-related deaths in 2008 totalled 25,000 in North America and about 2 million globally. As the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explain, HIV testing is crucial because AIDS marks the final stage of HIV infection when the immune system has difficulty warding off disease. Only a doctor can tell if you have AIDS, but you can take steps to see if you are infected with HIV.

Instructions

• 1

  Assess your behaviors to see if it is recommended that you have an HIV test. The CDC advises testing if: you have ever injected drugs or steroids or shared needles, syringes and other drug-injecting equipment with others; had unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with men who have sex with men, more than one partner or anonymous partners; traded sex for drugs or money; received a diagnosis or treatment for hepatitis, tuberculosis or a sexually transmitted disease; or had unsafe sex with someone who could fall under any of the above-mentioned categories.

• 2

  Take note of any symptoms. The Mayo Clinic points out that early stage HIV often presents no symptoms. It is common to experience flu-like symptoms a few weeks after infection. Mayo doctors note that you can remain symptom-free for up to eight or nine years before experiencing mild infections, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, weight loss, fever and a cough alongside shortness of breath. Mayo stresses that even when symptom-free, you can still transmit HIV to others.

• 3

  Get tested for HIV. You cannot determine if you have AIDS. You should not wait for a doctor to make this diagnosis. Doctors usually diagnose AIDS as the last stage of an HIV infection when one or more specific infections, cancers or an abnormally low T-cell count is present, according to the CDC. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation cautions that if you do not catch and receive treatment for HIV early, your chances of progressing to AIDS increases.

• 4

  Find a testing center near you. The Mayo Clinic points out that many clinics offer free HIV testing. You can also consult your physician, local public health department or Planned Parenthood. The CDC urges testing if you are in a high-risk group or suspect you might have HIV. Early detection increases your chances of staying healthy and living longer.