We always want to be informed about our health. Regular check-ups , a balanced diet and daily exercise help our bodies to stay healthy and function better.
Protection and knowledge are especially important when we fear a possible infection with a virus .
We address what is a taboo subject for many people openly and comprehensively, as education in all health areas is of the highest priority and should not be concealed under any circumstances.
Love is one of the many advances in life. It enriches, inspires, strengthens and connects us. However, it also harbors a few dangers that we should protect ourselves from in order to have a carefree and carefree love life. Infection with a sexually transmitted disease can happen faster than you think and often remain undetected for too long.
TheHIV virus is the greatest threat to our health and can be life-threatening in some cases. Are you worried that you may have been infected with the virus or do you want to protect yourself before entering into a new relationship? Do not hesitate to take an HIV test.
You will learn everything you need to know about such an HIV test in this article.
What makes the HIV virus so dangerous?
First of all, it is important to know how the HIV virus enters your body and can weaken your immune system. "HIV" stands for "Human Immunodeficiency Virus". The virus is a retrovirus and can enclose its genetic material in the genetic material of the host cells it attacks. The HIV virus primarily attacks the T helper cells, which weakens the immune system of the affected body.
The body is therefore much more susceptible to diseases that are unproblematic and essentially harmless in non-infected people.
The danger lies in the late detection of an infection and the possible development of the disease AIDS . If an infection with the HIV virus is not treated, it can lead to AIDS, the so-called "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome".
It poses a serious threat to human health because the immune system is severely weakened and pathogens can easily enter the body. Infected people often suffer from pneumonia and fungal diseases.
risk situations
There are several ways to become infected with the HIV virus.
Unprotected sexual intercourse
HIV is one of the STIs, sexually transmitted infections . In many cases, infection occurs through unprotected sex.
There is a risk of being infected with the HIV virus. However, there is only reason to worry if you do not know your partner's HIV status or if you know that one of the people involved is carrying the virus.
Unprotected vaginal and anal sex are particularly risky. The risk is significantly lower with unprotected oral sex, but infection cannot be completely ruled out. There is also a small risk of infection if blood and semen are ingested in the mouth.
A wild sex life with many different sexual partners increases the risk of infection immensely. In such cases, you should always clarify the HIV status of the other person before having sex and use reliable protection.
blood transfusions
If blood infected with HIV enters your bloodstream, there is a high risk that you will become infected with the virus. For this reason, only clean equipment should be used for a blood transfusion.
drug use with shared cutlery
The risk of contracting HIV is particularly high among people who regularly use drugs. If you use drugs intravenously, you should always make sure not to share the syringe you use with anyone else.
First inconspicuous, then dangerous – symptoms of infection
In many cases, an infection is discovered much later than would have been possible because the initial symptoms are considered harmless and are confused with harmless flu symptoms. It is only in the later stages, as the virus spreads further in the organism, that the symptoms become more severe.
Common symptoms , in decreasing order of probability, include the following:
- Fever
- tiredness/exhaustion
- general feeling of illness
- loss of appetite
- joint pain
- rash
- night sweats
- muscle pain
- fever combined with rash
- sore throat/inflammation of the throat
- mouth ulcers
- more than 2.5 kg sudden weight loss
With the right treatment, infected people can live for a long time without developing AIDS. A positive test result is required for treatment to be possible. If you have any concerns about your HIV status, do not hesitate to get an HIV test. There are many different options available to you.
The HIV test – the only reliable option
An HIV test is the only way to find out whether you have HIV. There are different types of HIV tests that are carried out in different ways. You can take a test anonymously, with advice from testing centers such as AIDS organizations, health authorities or checkpoints, and from your family doctor .
An HIV test always involves a blood test.
1. The laboratory test
In a laboratory test, your doctor will take a blood sample from you, which will be sent to a laboratory and examined there. Alternatively, you can take a few drops of blood from your finger (so-called capillary blood) - for example using a Probatix test kit - and send this to the laboratory.
This is an antigen-antibody test in which your blood is examined for antibodies and components of the HIV virus. An infection can only be reliably detected six weeks after the risky contact. You will receive the test result after two days.
2. The rapid test
Rapid tests are usually carried out in consultation centers. Here, a drop of blood from your fingertip is examined.
This is an antibody test, which means that your blood is only tested for antibodies against the HIV virus. A definitive conclusion can only be drawn three months after the risky contact.
You will receive the test result after about 30 minutes.
3. The self-test
The self-test is a quick test that you can do privately at home. For many people, this option is the most convenient. Here, too, you take a drop of blood from your fingertip.
Here, too, a reliable statement can only be made three months after the risky contact. You will usually receive the test result after just 15-30 minutes.
However, self-tests can produce inaccurate results. You should pay close attention to the CE mark and only use approved tests.
When should you get tested?
An HIV test only makes sense if you have great uncertainty about your HIV status or that of your partner, have an active sex life with different partners or notice abnormal changes in your body.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, it is advisable to get tested for HIV. If you have had a risky contact, you should definitely take an HIV test to be on the safe side. Pregnant women are also advised to take an HIV test as a precaution, as there is a risk that the baby could become infected with the virus while still in the womb.
If you regularly use drugs intravenously with other people, an HIV test can give you a clear picture of your health status.
Threatening, but not untouchable – possible treatments
If you receive a positive test result, a second confirmation test with a new blood sample is necessary in any case. Only after double confirmation can appropriate treatment of the infection be started.
If the test result is negative, you should also have a PCR test done. In the case of an infection, this will be positive 1-2 weeks earlier than an antibody test and can correct a possible false negative result.
pre-exposure prophylaxis
You have the option of preventing HIV throughpre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) . This is a form of preventive medication in which you regularly take medicines that reduce the amount of virus in your blood. HIV is therefore undetectable and also not transmissible.
Such treatment is useful for people with an increased risk of infection. The treatment is covered by statutory health insurance. People who undergo this treatment must be tested for HIV before starting prophylaxis, four weeks after starting treatment and then every three months.
post-exposure prophylaxis
In contrast, there is post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This form of treatment is useful if the risk of infection is very high. Here, too, you will receive appropriate medication, which you should take within two hours at best and no later than 48 hours after the risky contact. This can prevent the spread of HIV at an early stage.
It is important to note that if the virus is discovered early and appropriate treatment is given, your life expectancy is just as high as that of the general population. People who have been treated can live their lives as normal without major restrictions.
Do not hesitate ...
…to have an HIV test. Many people feel uncomfortable with such a test because they reveal information about their sex life to strangers. However, an HIV test should not be something to be ashamed of. In any case, the test affects your well-being and that of those around you.
Safety is the basis for a fun, more enjoyable sex life. Safe sex is the key word here to prevent possible infections. Always find out about your partner's HIV status and it's better to protect yourself once too often than once too little.
With Probatix, it is now very easy to get regular HIV tests and get the results. Simply log in to Probatix Health and make an appointment!
Frequently Asked Questions About HIV Testing
What is an HIV test and how does it work?
What is an HIV test and how does it work?
An HIV test checks whether antibodies or components of the HIV virus can be detected in the blood. There are different test procedures, including antibody tests, antigen-antibody combination tests and PCR tests.
When should you get an HIV test?
When should you get an HIV test?
An HIV test should be performed if there is a risk of infection, such as unprotected sex or contact with infected blood. It is also recommended during pregnancy.
How long does it take for HIV to be detectable in the test?
How long does it take for HIV to be detectable in the test?
Detectable results depend on the type of test. Antibody tests can detect HIV approximately 3-12 weeks after infection, PCR tests after just 1-2 weeks.
Is an HIV test anonymous and discreet?
Is an HIV test anonymous and discreet?
Yes, most providers, including Probatix, guarantee absolute discretion and anonymized testing procedures, especially for home self-tests.
How reliable are HIV tests?
How reliable are HIV tests?
Modern HIV tests are very reliable. Antigen-antibody tests achieve an accuracy of over 99%. Repeat tests if the result is positive confirm the diagnosis.
What does a positive test result mean?
What does a positive test result mean?
A positive result indicates HIV infection. However, this is not a definitive diagnosis and must be confirmed by further tests.
Can an HIV test be done at home?
Can an HIV test be done at home?
Yes, with a certified self-test or a test kit like the one from Probatix, you can get tested conveniently and safely at home.
How do you prepare for an HIV test?
How do you prepare for an HIV test?
No special preparations are necessary. It is important to consider the possible time windows for detecting HIV.
How much does an HIV test cost?
How much does an HIV test cost?
The costs vary depending on the type of test and provider. Self-tests and test kits for home use are usually inexpensive and can be ordered directly online.
Why is an HIV test important?
Why is an HIV test important?
An HIV test helps to detect and treat an infection early. Early diagnosis improves the quality of life and prevents the virus from being transmitted to others.
