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After The Test
As many as 1 in 3 Americans with HIV do not know they have
it. You may be nervous about getting tested, especially the
first time. This is understandable, but think about this: The
tests don't take much time, and at some clinics they are free
or can be paid for on a sliding scale based on your income.
Left untreated, HIV, can cause serious health problems.
There are advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS occurring
all the time -- and new medications allow people to live longer
and healthier lives. A positive test result is not a death sentence.
But finding out is critical.
What if I'm negative?
What if I'm positive?
Treatment options for HIV/AIDS/STD's
HIV/AIDS services in your area
If you are HIV negative, it is important that you protect
yourself all the time. If you are having sex, make sure
you know how to use a condom correctly and that you
use one every time. Don't inject drugs or share needles.
Also, if you didn't wait six months after your last
possible exposure to HIV, you should get tested at the
six-month mark.
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Medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help
you stay well. Here are some important steps to protect
your health:
See a doctor, even if you don't feel sick.
If possible, see a doctor who has experience treating
HIV. Consulting someone about your treatment options
is the first step towards staying healthy.
Find a support system. The emotional
and physical challenges ahead can be difficult, having
people around to help is important. Ask your doctor
about counselors and support groups that can help you.
Click here for more information about what to do if
you are HIV positive:
http://www.thebody.com/treat/basics.html
http://www.aidsinfo.org
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What
Are Treatment Options For HIV/AIDS/STD's? |
Treatment options depend on the kind of STD: bacterial,
viral, or parasitic. Bacterial and parasitic infections
are generally easily cured with medications prescribed
by a health care provider. Viral infections, like HIV,
while not curable, can be treated. With these kinds
of infections, medications can help to control some
of the symptoms, even though there is no cure. Viruses
can still be spread even without symptoms. Regardless
of the type of STD, it is important that both partners
receive treatment so that they do not re-infect each
other.
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HIV/AIDS
Services In Your Area |
Local Support Group Database
If you test positive for HIV, there is support. Click
here to find resources
in your area.
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* Text courtesy of KNOW HIV/AIDS, a partnership
of Viacom and the Kaiser Family Foundation
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