Living with HIV in the Philippines: Email 400; When is the BEST Time?

hi pozzie, ako nga pala si red bisexual male. nakipag sex ako sa kapwa lalaki nung september 2013, tpos ngaung november 2013. kailan ako pwedeng mag pa hiv test yung mas accurate sana para hindi nako babalik for another confirmatory test.

maraming salamat.

TRANSLATION

Hi Pozzie. I am Red, a bisexual male. I had sex with another guy last September 2013 then again this November 2013. When can I take the HIV test that will be accurate so that I don't have to come back for another confirmatory test?

Thank you.

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi Red.

Thank you for your email.

I have received a lot of emails regarding your concern. So when is the best time to take the HIV test then?

1. NOW is the best time. Taking the HIV test now, erases all your past unprotected sex possible exposures. Sometimes, we disregard other possible past exposures and just focus on the latest possible exposures because we are "healthy". To be cleared of all possible exposures, 3 ago and beyond, then one should take the HIV test NOW.

2. In your case, you had unprotected sex last September and November. The window period for September is up to December while that of November is up to February. So when is the best time? NOW and on February. Does it really matter if you will take it twice? Will it be bothersome for you to take it twice? Proactivity and responsibility is the key to better management of HIV.

3. Taking the HIV test now is a win-win situation. One, it will erase all previous HIV exposures (3 months ago and beyond); two, you will be relaxed with the HIV test so later on it is not as scary anymore; three, you will have a pre counselling session on HIV 101.

Please, stop having unprotected sex. The virus is out there. The cases are getting higher each month. Be responsible now before it's too late.

I hope I was able to answer your concerns. Feel free to email me again if you have other questions.

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy