What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the immune system, weakening the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. This can lead to serious infections that a healthy person would typically overcome. When people with HIV develop illnesses due to the virus’s damage, they are said to have Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, where the body struggles to combat life-threatening infections without treatment.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles and syringes, transfusion of infected blood, and from an infected mother to her child during birth or breastfeeding.

Symptoms of HIV

The symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary depending on the stage of infection:

• Primary Infection (Acute HIV): Symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, weight loss, cough, and night sweats.
• Clinical Latent Infection (Chronic HIV): HIV is present in the body but may have no symptoms. This stage can last for years with antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• Symptomatic HIV Infection: Mild infections or chronic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, diarrhea, weight loss, oral yeast infection, shingles, and pneumonia.
• Progression to AIDS: AIDS severely damages the immune system, leading to opportunistic infections and cancers. Symptoms include sweating, chills, recurrent fever, chronic diarrhea, swollen lymph glands, persistent white spots or unusual lesions in the mouth, unexplained fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and skin rashes.

Statistics for 2023/2024

According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), over 38 million people worldwide live with HIV. Despite advancements in treatment, around 1.5 million new cases were diagnosed in 2023. In Bulgaria, the number of new HIV cases is increasing, highlighting the importance of regular testing and prevention.

HIV Prevention

Prevention is crucial in stopping the spread of HIV. The primary way to prevent HIV infection is through safe sexual practices, including using condoms during every sexual contact or maintaining a relationship with one partner whose HIV status is known. Regular testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections are essential. If you suspect unprotected sexual contact, remember that it takes three months to get a reliable test result. Avoid injecting drugs; if you cannot, always use new, single-use needles and syringes. When getting tattoos or piercings, use single-use needles. Regular HIV testing is also a key component of prevention.

Why is it important to test for HIV?

Early detection of the virus allows for timely treatment, which can prolong and improve the quality of life. Knowing your status enables you to take the necessary steps to prevent the virus’s spread and provides peace of mind by being informed about your health condition.

Introducing our Home HIV Test

Our home HIV test is designed to provide you and your loved ones with a convenient and discreet way to get tested. It is non-invasive, quick, and can be done in the comfort of your home. The test is packaged to ensure your privacy, and the results are ready within minutes. If the result is positive, contact a healthcare professional for consultation.

Conclusion

Knowing your HIV status is vital. Our home HIV test allows you to take control of your health with ease and confidence. Order your test today and start taking care of yourself and your loved ones now.