Prepared by: Bratislav Prokić, October 2022
Review: Prof. Dr. Biljana Kocić, epidemiologist,
Institute of Public Health - Niš
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the human immune system. If the infection is not treated, it leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS or AIDS) and death. Treatment is best started as soon as possible, and testing is the only way to know if you have HIV.
These are 5 reasons why you should get tested
1. You had at least one unprotected sexual intercourse
Transmission of HIV occurs during unprotected sexual intercourse – one or “one hundred and one”, it depends on the case. If you had intercourse without a condom, with a person whose HIV status you do not know, do not delay testing. The test result is reliable already after 6 weeks (with a venous blood test) or 3 months (with a rapid test) of exposure to the risk.
2. You are sexually active
If you are having sex, or have had sex in the past, you should get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, even if you use a condom. A condom protects, but not 100%. More frequent testing is recommended, every 3 to 12 months, if you are at increased risk of acquiring an HIV infection (if you have anal sex and do not use a condom consistently).
3. You want to protect yourself and others
If the test shows that you have HIV, modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) will allow you to maintain your health, to have an almost unchanged life expectancy and to suppress the virus to a level where you cannot transmit it to sexual partners. If the test result shows that you do not have HIV, get advice on how to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV in the future – proper use of condoms, or/and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
4. You have symptoms of early HIV infection
Symptoms of HIV infection may be absent, or may be similar to other conditions. However, mind flu-like symptoms two to four weeks after exposure, such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches or swollen lymph nodes. HIV infection can be present for years without symptoms.
5. You are planning a child or are pregnant
Antiretroviral drugs (ART) prevent HIV from being transmitted sexually, as well as from mother to child. If you and your partner have not been tested for HIV before having sex without a condom, do it (if possible) together. Infection can also occur if one of you has unprotected sex with another person, outside of a relationship/marriage.
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