National HIV Testing Day 2010: Are You Positive that You are Negative?

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National HIV Testing Day was started in 1995 by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) due to the growing number of HIV/AIDS related cases in the United States. It’s primary purpose is to promote the importance of prevention, early detection, and provide counseling and treatment for those affected by the disease. Every year, on June 27th, local organizations across the nation engage with communities to promote early diagnosis and HIV-testing. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) an estimated 250,000 individuals are unaware of their HIV-positive status.

Social stigmas along with the lack of proper treatment and care contribute to the increase in HIV/AIDS related cases. The time is now for Americans, especially African Americans to realize that HIV is a deadly disease that can change a person’s life forever. African Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population and almost 50% of the AIDS population. The CDC also reports that, 64% of women living with the disease are African American and 41% of men living with the disease are African American. Let’s join together to stop this epidemic that is plaguing our communities. But to help fight the disease, you must first, know about the disease. Here are a few facts from the Greater Than AIDS movement to assist you in educating not only yourself, but your partner, family members, and friends.

What is HIV?
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, commonly known as HIV, is spread when infected bodily fluids from one person enter another person’s body. Pre-cum, semen, vaginal fluids, blood, and breast milk are the fluids that can transmit the virus. Unprotected sex is the most common way people get infected with HIV in the U.S., followed by sharing needles.

HIV attacks the very cells which normally defend the body against illness. Eventually, HIV weakens the immune system to such an extent that the body can no longer fight off other diseases and infections.

How does someone get HIV?
HIV is primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact– that is, vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The chances of getting or passing HIV from oral sex are lower than vaginal or anal sex, but there is still a risk. HIV can also be spread by sharing needles.

Women who are HIV positive can pass HIV to their baby before or during delivery or through breastfeeding after birth.

Who is at risk to get HIV?
Anyone who has had unprotected sex, or who has injected drugs, or has had a partner who has done either of these things, or whose partner’s other partners may have done these things, may be at risk.

What kinds of HIV tests are available?
There are several different types of HIV tests, but the two most common types are blood tests and oral swab tests.

HIV blood tests use a sample of blood, either from a finger prick or a larger sample often taken from the inner arm, to test for antibodies. Oral tests use a swab to collect cells from inside the mouth to test for HIV antibodies.

Traditional HIV test results can take one to two weeks to come back from a lab, but rapid tests are now widely available that can provide a result in about 20 minutes.

How does an HIV test work?
Most HIV tests check for antibodies that the body produces once infected with HIV. Antibodies are proteins that the immune system produces to fight off all different kinds of infections, including HIV. If an HIV test detects HIV antibodies, a person is infected with HIV.

If antibodies are not present, a person is likely not HIV infected. But, it can take as long as three to six months for the body to develop enough antibodies to be measurable on a test. The time period between HIV exposure and a positive test is called the “window period,” during which you could test negative for HIV but still be infected with HIV and able to transmit the virus to others. Therefore, it is important to get tested (or re-tested) after a sufficient period of time has passed to know for sure.

How much does an HIV test cost?
The cost of HIV testing varies. Community clinics that offer tests for free or on a sliding scale are available in most areas. Also, the cost of an HIV test may be covered by health insurance, if you have it. Call ahead to your doctor or local clinic to find out how they charge for HIV tests, or to your health insurance provider to see if the test is covered.

Who will have access to my test results?
Your HIV test results are confidential. The results will be included in your medical record, as are the results for any other type of test. If you test positive for HIV, your result will also be shared with your state’s health department for purposes of monitoring trends in the HIV epidemic. Also, remember that if you do test positive, it is very important for you to work closely with your doctor to get the care and treatment you need.

You can also get tested anonymously, where your name is not linked to your test results. However, anonymous testing sites are not available in all states and at all locations. Home HIV finger prick tests, which you can purchase in a drug store or online, are also anonymous.

While you are out having fun in the sun or dancing to the rhythm of the night this weekend, please take a moment and include a trip to your nearest HIV testing site to get tested. Plan a group outing with friends or make it one of the many stops on a perfect date night. But get tested. It is better to know than to not know. You want to be positive that you are negative.

Please use the locator below to find the closest HIV testing center near you.

Know. Protect. Get Tested. Start the Conversation.

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Tagged as: June 27, NAPWA, National HIV Testing Day, Prevention

Article by Jenifer Moore

Jenifer serves as Editorial Director for The FreshXpress. A native of the Queen City, writing is her muse and she thrives on the Public Relations scene. While she is a lover of all music, she lives by the Biggie mantra "Sky is the Limit".

Jenifer has written 53 article(s) for us.