There have been significant advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS over the past 20 years. So much so that being diagnosed HIV-positive is no longer a guaranteed death sentence. Anti-retroviral therapy has meant people can now live more normal, and longer, lives.
All the positive news about fighting HIV/AIDS with new treatments combined with lower rates of infection in many places leads some people to consider HIV/AIDS to be "yesterday's" problem. Not so. True enough, improvements in treatment and prevention have been significant, but HIV/AIDS is still killing people. What can we do about it? Beyond taking appropriate precautions, getting tested ranks right up there as a wise decision.
AIDS is a very serious disease that you get from the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV damages your immune system, reducing its ability to protect you against infections. Since people with AIDS do not have this protection, they can get many different infections and cancers. The virus can be introduced to your system via semen, vaginal fluid or blood. Getting infected can be the result of having sex or sharing needles or syringes. A baby can even be infected by its mother during pregnancy, delivery or from breastfeeding.
AIDS is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition that opens up the body to infection from multiple sources. Indeed, AIDS itself is less likely to kill than another disease acquired because the body had lost the ability to defend itself (immunodeficiency).
Like most diseases, HIV/AIDS can best be treated if discovered early. There are drugs that will prohibit or reduce the transmission of the virus and reduce its effects in the host as well. But we must first know treatment is needed. Testing for HIV is relatively simple starting with a blood sample on which an HIV antibody test is done. Simple, free and private: three features of being tested for HIV. Nonetheless, people find all sorts of excuses for not being tested.
Healthcare workers have heard most of the excuses. "I would know if my partner had HIV." And the related excuse: "I don't need to get tested. I was a virgin when we met and have been faithful ever since!" (Problem is, has your partner?) Most people don't get tested because they simply don't think or believe they could become infected.
Testing for HIV infection is most certain three to six months after infection. That's because the antibodies may not show up for several weeks after infection. A new test for HIV antigens (which stimulate an immune response) can give results within days of infection.
Getting tested is simple enough in our health region. Tests are confidential and free and are offered in various locations including your family doctor. Public Health nursing and clinics offer testing and often work in partnership with community organizations to do the same.
There is little reason to avoid testing, and a lot of peace of mind could be the result. The successes of the past decade are clouding the reality that HIV/AIDS continues to infect and kill people around the world, including in YOUR community.
Dr. Paul Martiquet is the Medical Health Officer for Rural Vancouver Coastal Health including Powell River, the Sunshine Coast, Sea-to-Sky, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.
