What is an HIV Test and When Is It Prescribed?
HIV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It affects a significant part of the world’s population and is among the major health concerns. When left untreated for a longer period, it may lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which is the most advanced stage. This infection spreads when a healthy person comes into direct contact with the bodily fluids (blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk) of an infected person. Apart from this, it can also be transmitted from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Early
detection is the best way to control HIV infection and prevent its progression
to AIDS. Booking an HIV test in a timely manner can help manage the symptoms in
the initial stages.
What is an HIV test?
It is a blood
test that detects the presence of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) in an
individual’s blood. The human immunodeficiency virus attacks the cells of an
individual’s immune system, destroying them over time. The main function of
these cells is to protect the body against a number of bacteria and viruses. However,
when a person’s body loses a large quantity of these cells, its ability to
fight off other infections reduces significantly.
When Does a Doctor Prescribe an HIV Test?
An HIV test is useful in finding out if an
individual has been infected with HIV. Usually, doctors suggest it to
individuals who display any symptoms of this infection.
Here are a few
common warning signs:
- Unexplained
weight loss
- Excessive
sweating during the night
- Persistent
fever
- Constant
lethargy
- Swollen lymph
nodes
- White spots in
the mouth or throat
- Severe
diarrhoea
- Rashes on skin
or in the mouth
·
Difficulty in
remembering things
However, many
people do not develop any symptoms in the initial stage of HIV infection. This
is the reason it can remain undetected for longer periods. So, this test may be
done as a routine test as part of preventive healthcare.


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