Have you ever been tested for HIV? Unfortunately, 43% of US adults have never had an HIV test, even though the CDC recommends everyone should get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Even more often if you are not monogamous.
Many people don't get HIV testing because they are afraid of getting a positive result, which is quite understandable. However, there are many benefits of going to an HIV clinic and getting tested. Below, we give you three.
The best thing about getting an HIV test is that you don't have to go too far out of your way or spend hundreds of dollars on it. There are many HIV clinics out there that will do the test for you in a matter of minutes, and it will cost you pennies, or it can even be free depending on your situation.
There's no downside to getting an HIV test. If you are starting to show symptoms of HIV, like a fever, chills, a sore throat, muscle aches, or swollen lymph nodes, you should get yourself checked out even more urgently.
As soon as you know you are positive for HIV, you can start treatment right away. This means you are more likely to get better or put a stop to the harm the virus does to your immune system.
Remember, the earlier you start treatment, the higher your life expectancy.
As soon as you have the HIV test results, you don't have to wonder if you have HIV or not. You can rest easy knowing that you aren't transmitting the virus to anyone else when sexually active.
Even if you find out that you have HIV, it doesn't mean bad news. Nowadays, HIV is quite treatable and survivable. It's not like it was in the past when a positive HIV test could be a death sentence.
Many government-funded programs are there to help you out if you are HIV-positive by providing case managers and other such help, so you are never alone in this journey.
If you are pregnant, you must get yourself tested for HIV. You don't want to pass the virus over to the baby.
The good news is that if you take HIV medications, you can reduce the risk of passing the virus to the baby. But first, you need to know if you are positive or not.
Don't let fear of the unknown hold you back. Get an HIV test done today, so you can know for sure what your next steps should be.
Not knowing can be paralyzing and you don't want to be stuck in that limbo forever, especially if you have HIV. Every minute you let the virus run free in your body without treatment puts you at risk and makes you more vulnerable.
Contact our HIV clinic in Fort Myers, Florida, so you can get tested today.
