Living with HIV in the Philippines: Email 728: Scared to Take the HIV Test

pozziepinoy gusto ko sana magpa test pero natatakot ako sa kakalabasan ng resulta kasi di ko alam kung positive ako.. although wala nman ako signs and symptoms ng pagkakaroon ng HIV.. ano po ba dapat ko gawin nag aaral pa kasi ako... at baka mag positive ako di ko kakayanin pag nalaman ng pamilya ko.

J

TRANSLATION

Pozziepinoy, I would like to take the test, but I am scared about the result in case it turns out positive. I don't have HIV related signs and symptoms.

What should I do? I am still in school. I am scared that if it turns out positive, I won't be able to handle it especially if my family finds out.

J

POZZIEPINOY’S RESPONSE

Hi J.

Thank you for your email.

I know you are scared. I know what you are going though as I have answered a lot of emails who have been through what you are going through right now. But trust me. Taking the HIv test is for the better. Taking the HIV will let you take control of your life.

Look at it this way. If you take the HIV test now, and it turns out to be positive, then:

1. You can get treatment as soon as possible.

2. You can get healthier fast with the right medicine, which is FREE in the country

3. You won't suffer the ill effects of the opportunistic infections that usually come with late diagnosis.

4. Minimal financial burden on your part and your family.

Trust me, if you think you had been exposed to the virus, it is better to take the HIV test now, while you are not sickly yet. It is better to take the HIv test yet to avoid the financial burden of having other infections that come with depressed immune system caused by HIV.

If you want, our Care Manager for HIV Testing, Marky can help and assist you. Please click the link below:

Care Assistance Program - HIV Test

If you are really scared, you can call one of our Peer Counselors:

Peer Counselors

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

Stay healthy,

Pozziepinoy