Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Get Tested and Get Treatment!


Lately, The Red Ribbon Care Management Program has been assisting clients who are either, one, late diagnosed or second, got diagnosed years ago but didn't get treatment at once. In both scenarios, the PLHIV's already have opportunistic infections associated with AIDS which are harder to treat and financially draining.

 This is not to scare anybody, but please GET TESTED EARLY and GET TREATMENT EARLY when you get diagnosed. HIV can be "tamed" early with early intervention. HIV Treatment is FREE but by having these HIV related infections caused by the weakening of the immune system, the expenses may be overwhelming and maybe financially draining to both you and your loved ones.

Here are the facts:

 About the HIV Test

 1. Get tested early when you know that you have been exposed!
2. Don't wait for symptoms as HIV has non specific symptoms.
3. HIV can ONLY be diagnosed by the HIV test and not any symptoms.
4. HIV doesn't equate to having these symptoms:
    a. Fever
    b. Enlarged lymph nodes
    c. Rashes
    d. Body weakness
5. HIV test is a confidential test in the Philippines.
6. HIV test result:
    a. Comes out in a few hours to a day or two if the result is non-reactive or negative
    b. If positive in initial rapid test, the confirmatory test result will come out after 2 weeks or more.
    c. comes out after two hours if two tests are being done to the blood sample, like in 
        RITM Satellite Clinic
7. HIV test is not a requirement for employment in the Philippines. Thus if one is HIV positive, nobody in his work place will know unless he discloses his or her status to someone else. No one can force you to tell anyone about your HIV status because it is 
against the law.

 About the HIV Treatment

 1. HIV Consultation and Treatment is FREE in all government HIV/AIDS Hubs
2. Baseline tests required in the hubs are either FREE or with discounted fees (as 
    compared to private hospitals or hubs)
3. HIV won't lead to AIDS if one gets an early diagnosis and early treatment.
4. The immune system won't collapse as fast if one gets an early treatment.

 Here are some tips:

 1. If you know you have been exposed or even have an inkling that you have been exposed, take the HIV test fast.
2. If you have other STD's, anal warts (HPV), or other infections that have the same mode of transmission as the HIV, please take the test.
3. Don't wait for any symptom. Take the HIV test ASAP.
4. Even though the HIV antibody formation has a window period of 3 months post exposure, still, take the HIV test ASAP.

     a. Each individual is unique and there are instances that even a few weeks post exposure, HIV can already be detected especially by new generation test equipments

     b. It is a win-win scenario. Even though you get a non-reactive (negative) result and is advised to come back after 3 months, the HIV test won't be as scary as during the first instance.

     c. If a testing center refuses to let you take the HIV test because it is "too early" to take the test, then take the HIV test in another HIV Testing facility if it will calm your mind. Anyhow, you will learn something about HIV during the pretest counselling session and you can ask questions from the HIV counsellor if you have any.

 5. Not getting treatment as soon as one gets diagnosed with HIV has these repercussions:
    a. The longer the intervention, the higher the chances of getting infections.
    b. Opportunistic infections equate to expensive medical bills.
    c. People don't die of HIV directly. They die because of untreated opportunistic 
        infections that are caused by the weakened immune system.
6. Some people are scared that the family will know, or HIV will be a hindrance to work or an obstacle to relationships, once diagnosed. Well, if one has opportunistic infections already, do you think the family, your colleagues at work or your partner won't suspect? Are you willing to burden them with the finances of treatment?

 Like what I said, this is not to scare anyone. However this is the truth about not getting tested early and not getting an early treatment. Let us all learn the facts and try to accept them for our sake and for the sake of our loved ones. Things can be prevented (for instance, expensive and long treatment or for opportunistic infections), if one will decide fast and one will take control of his health at the soonest possible moment.

Be in control while it's not too late! Take the HIV test EARLY! Get an Early HIV Treatment!

     







"WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
NO PLHIV is alone with his or her struggle with HIV!"

-Pozziepinoy-



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