June 27 is the National HIV Testing Day as healthcare professionals urge patients to get tested for HIV. These are a few tips if you or someone you love receives a report indicating they are HIV positive. It is suggested the steps are followed even if you do not feel sick:
• Find a doctor or licensed healthcare provider with experience treating HIV. It is important to maintain a relationship with a healthcare provider you trust. Contact your local health department for a referral if you don’t know how to find a provider with HIV experience.
• Get screened for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and for TB (tuberculosis). Undetected co-infections, such as STDs and TB, can cause serious health complications—and having HIV makes you more vulnerable to those complications.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is crucial for success in treating HIV. Smoking, drinking too much, or taking illegal drugs can weaken your immune system, allowing the virus to replicate and grow.
• Safer sex practices are very important. Condoms are very effective in preventing HIV transmission when used correctly and consistently.
• Tell your partner(s) about your HIV status before you have any type of sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral) and don’t share needles or syringes.
