What is HIV?
HIV. Three letters that can evoke a multitude of memories and fears. But the images of HIV infections and AIDS have changed. The good news is: The previously fatal disease has become a treatable infection. HIV is a virus that attacks and weakens the human immune system. Hence the name human immunodeficiency virus.
We dispel prejudices and stigmas and give you a few hard facts about HIV:
💡 HIV is not AIDS (erroneously, “HIV tests” are often called “AIDS tests”)
💡 HIV drugs prevent the outbreak of AIDS
💡 A good life with almost normal life expectancy is possible with HIV therapy
💡 People with an HIV infection and an undetectable viral load under therapy cannot transmit the virus sexually
What are the symptoms of HIV?
There are symptoms that may indicate an HIV infection:
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Skin rash
- Tiredness and listlessness
After a short time, these symptoms subside and a longer symptom-free period follows. But it is precisely during this time that the HI virus weakens the body. That’s why: Make sure you speak to a doctor if you have symptoms.
Your HIV test from s.a.m health
Sex is beautiful and it should stay that way!
That’s why we at s.a.m health have made it our mission to give you more security on a regular basis when you’re enjoying yourself sexually. With our STI test kit, you can easily get tested for HIV from home.
The kit also contains a tripper test, syphilis test and chlamydia test. So you can be absolutely sure!
Why should I get tested for HIV?
Especially if you enjoy an exciting love life with different partners, it is important that you get tested for HIV regularly. We recommend regular HIV testing for:
- Unprotected sex
- Men who have sex with men (MSM)
- Intravenous drug use
- Pregnant people
- HIV-PreP users
Attention:
If you had a concrete HIV transmission risk, ask about the PEP. This should be started as soon as possible after a risk contact. Preferably within the first 48 hours. You can find all the information you need at Deutsche Aidshilfe on safer sex accident/Pep.
Where can I get tested for HIV?
When is HIV detectable?
For a reliable HIV test result in the laboratory, the risk situation should have occurred at least six weeks ago (diagnostic window). For rapid HIV tests, it is even at least twelve weeks.
What types of HIV tests are there?
What should I do if I test positive for HIV?
Don’t panic – we’re here for you. First of all, it is important to know that a distinction is made between a reactive and a positive result. A reactive test result is scary at first, but basically just means that a test indicates the presence of the virus.
However, this must first be confirmed by a second laboratory test.
If the result is positive, our counselors will help you find an HIV specialist practice. Thanks to therapies, you can continue to have a fulfilling sex life with HIV.
Reporting obligation: Only a confirmed HIV diagnosis must be reported. But it is reported to the Robert Koch Institute without mentioning the name.
