HIV Testing

   Every year thousands of people are diagnosed with HIV, every state has testing centers, and they are spread out within the communities. The ordinary person does not know what the tests consists of. I think it would be a good idea to inform what they are about.
     I am no medical professional, but we all learned in high school what the immune system was about. An infection enters the body and the white blood cells attack it to eliminate the threat. HIV is a viral infection it has to attach to our DNA or RNA, when this happens, the cells form antibodies against the invading virus. It takes weeks to have enough antibodies that can be measured.
     So when someone suspects they could have HIV, they run specific tests that determine if a person is positive or not for the infection.
     The first test these centers do is called ELISA, this stands for Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. When viral antibodies are present they will appear, in the blood sample. The second test that is performed to confirm the ELISA is called Western Blot. This test will identify HIV precisely.
     These are the two preliminary tests done to diagnose HIV, if a person is positive for them, then they can be sure they have HIV. There are several other tests that are performed that are highly specialized and are used to determine the type of HIV the person has and the course of treatment that should be followed.
     In all we have to consider that as of 2013 there are 1.2 million Americans living with HIV and in 2014, there were 44,073 newly diagnosed persons, and the number grows every year. It is true that many don’t develop full blown AIDS, but being HIV positive is not something easy to live with.

Social Stigmas and HIV

     Most Americans today don’t see HIV or AIDS as a serious threat, but this is unfortunately not rooted in reality. Over 1.2 million Americans are currently living with an HIV infection of some kind, and efforts to lower these numbers have steadily declined since the 1980’s, when the virus was brought to American attention. Leaps and bounds have been made since then to develop an effective vaccine, but many problems with HIV awareness lie within the public. The stigmas that surround HIV and AIDS are still far too prevalent in society, such as:

• HIV and AIDS are always associated with death 
• HIV is associated with behaviors that some people disapprove of (like homosexuality or drug use) 
• HIV is only transmitted through sex 
• HIV infection is the result of personal irresponsibility or moral fault 

     All of the above statements are false, yet have a lasting impact on those that are living with the HIV virus. According to poll conducted by Avert.org, 46% of people living with HIV do not know their status. Many attribute this to the common fear involved with HIV testing and becoming diagnosed. Avert.org continues, “The consequences of stigma and discrimination are wide-ranging. Some people are shunned by family, peers and the wider community, while others face poor treatment in healthcare and educational settings, erosion of their an an rights, and psychological damage. These all limit access to HIV testing, treatment and other HIV services.” People that suffer from this disease should not have to fear judgement or discrimination from their loved ones and colleagues, and it is deplorable that so many people at risk are afraid to turn to help.
     Those that want to combat these stigmas can give out facts about HIV, and can also speak out against the negativity surrounding HIV and AIDS. The push for inclusive, affordable testing is a necessary one, and we must stay informed and aware of the threat that so many today deem extinct.