HIV TESTING AND DIAGNOSIS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Today, living with HIV is a very different experience from just ten years ago. Advances in prevention, treatment and care mean that people living with HIV and on effective treatment have a near-normal life expectancy. This article outlines the importance of HIV testing and diagnosis in ending the epidemic.

Why is HIV testing important?

WHY IS HIV TESTING IMPORTANT?

HIV testing is important because early detection and timely intervention are key in managing HIV effectively.1 During the initial phases, HIV may be symptomless or flu-like, making reliance on symptoms alone insufficient.1,2 These flu-like symptoms may include a fever (often accompanied with chills or night sweats), headaches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a persistent sore throat.1,2 A skin rash or muscle and joint pain may also become apparent, as well as weight loss, mouth ulcers, and diarrhoea.1,2 Clearly, these early HIV symptoms are also associated with other common illnesses and health conditions, so this emphasizes why regular testing is so vital.

HIV can be acquired through bodily fluids like blood and semen and is more easily transmitted in the early stages, making testing necessary not just for personal health but also to prevent unintentional transmission to others.2,3 Testing is the first step towards early diagnosis of HIV and guiding people living with HIV towards treatment.2,3

Innovation in HIV testing has brought us steps closer to the UNAIDS target of 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status by 2030.4 However, efforts are still underway; only 84% of all people living with HIV were aware of their status in 2021. In some regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, this percentage is even lower.4

Awareness of HIV status is also lower globally among certain populations, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and transgender people, highlighting the need for increased testing access (facility and community-based) in high-incidence communities to meet the UNAIDS 2030 goal.4

Lower awareness of HIV status in these populations generally stems from the high levels of stigma and discrimination that they face due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or lifestyle choices.22 Internalised or ‘self’ stigma is also common in these groups, leading to feelings of shame, isolation, and fear of disclosure.22 All these factors can create barriers to seeking HIV testing due to fear of judgement or mistreatment.22 In some parts of the world, stigma and discrimination can also extend into criminalisation (i.e. legal and religious barriers), and these individuals may also face higher rates of mental health challenges, including depression, which can also impact their ability to seek HIV testing.41,42

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This is a good place to begin if you have received your HIV diagnosis recently. Get the facts about HIV, discover what Undetectable = Untransmittable means for you and find support to help you start feeling empowered in your care.

Living with HIV has changed. Thanks to innovations in antiretroviral treatment (ART), HIV is now a manageable long-term health condition.1 Read on to discover useful information, resources, and where to find support.

References

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