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ADVANTAGES OF HIV SCREENING

An HIV screening test checks to see if you’ve been infected with the HIV virus. There are many people in the world living with the HIV virus (O Morolake et al. 2009) among them are those who don’t know their HIV status.
According to a survey by UNODC, 1.9 million people are living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria as of 2018. Research also shows that routine HIV screening can help curb the virus from spreading. Also, if HIV is not caught early and treated, it may lead to AIDS.

What is an HIV Screening?
HIV screening or test shows whether you are infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is a virus that attacks and destroys cells in the immune system. These cells protect your body against disease-causing germs, such as bacteria and viruses. If you lose too many immune cells, your body will have trouble fighting off infections and other diseases (S Duggal et al. 2012).
The types of HIV screening tests are antibody test, HIV Antibody/Antigen Test, and HIV Viral load.

What is an HIV screening used for?
An HIV test is used to find out if you have been infected with HIV. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Most people with HIV don't have AIDS. People with AIDS have an extremely low number of immune cells (S Moir, AS Fauci 2009) and are at risk for life-threatening illnesses, including dangerous infections, a severe type of pneumonia, and certain cancers, including Kaposi sarcoma.
If HIV is found early, you can get medicines to protect your immune system. HIV medicines may prevent you from getting AIDS.

Why do you need an HIV test?
You need an HIV test if you are at higher risk for infection. HIV is mainly spread through s*xual contact and blood. Listed below are ways you can be infected with HIV through s*xual contact and blood. You are at higher risk if you;
1. As a man has had s*x with another man
2. Have had s*x with an HIV-infected partner
3. Have had multiple s*x partners
4. Have injected drugs, such as he**in, or shared drug needles with someone else
HIV can spread from mother to child during birth and through breast milk, so if you are pregnant your doctor may order an HIV test. There are medicines you can take during pregnancy and delivery to greatly reduce your risk of spreading the disease to your baby.

What are the advantages of HIV screening?
It is very important for people to know their HIV status through screening which may be done annually. Having an HIV screening improves the overall quality of life for those living with HIV and prevents transmission of HIV to others. When you seek to know your HIV status and go for a test, this can benefit you as;
1. Infection and other serious health problems are detected before symptoms develop.
2. HIV is easily detectable with reliable, inexpensive, and acceptable screening tests.
3. If you are diagnosed with HIV, you can start treatment early and improve life expectancy.
4. The benefits of early detection outweigh screening costs.

Where to get an HIV screening done
HIV screening is usually done as part of regular preventative tests during your annual visit to the doctor. But if you’re more likely to have HIV or think you could’ve been exposed, ask your doctor for a test.

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