As the local parlance goes “HIV no dey show for face”, so it is better to be sure of your status especially when such individual has become sexually active. Not saying that being sexually active is the only means of contacting the virus, but from research, it has been said to be one of the easiest and fastest ways to contact the virus.

As the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with other Health organizations such as the International Aids Society (IAS) have tremendously done a great job in creating awareness, prevention, counselling, webinars, workshops etc. All in an attempt to reduce the spread of the virus and curb its effect on the society, we as individuals also play a vital role in reducing the spread of HIV.

Here are 3 reasons why you should get tested and know your HIV status today.

1.     Some individuals are HIV Asymptomatic

Some people with HIV have no symptoms for months or even years after contracting the virus. While a person with no symptoms may be unlikely to seek care, there is still a high risk of transmission. For this reason, experts recommend regular testing so that everyone is aware of their HIV status. After the symptoms of acute retroviral syndrome resolves, many people may not experience any HIV symptoms for years. While they feel well and appear healthy, the virus develops and damages the immune system and organs. If the person does not take medication that prevents the replication of the virus, this slow process can continue for 10 years or longer. Also, if a person with HIV does not receive effective treatment, the virus weakens the body’s ability to fight infection, exposing it to serious illnesses. Therefore, it is highly advisable to get tested and also get tested regularly.

2.      To protect your mental health

Too many times, we have received reports from our Health related programmes, on relationships that came to an end because during the process of couple medical examinations, it was found that one of the couple was HIV positive. Which led to heartbreak, feeling of betrayal, and regrets. HIV and AIDS are highly stigmatized and shrouded in misconceptions. As a result, a person may feel persecuted, isolated, or excluded. An HIV diagnosis can be very distressing, and feelings of anxiety or depression are common. One has to take proactive steps in knowing their status so it doesn’t come as a big blow and ruin life’s goals or plans.

3.     HIV can lead to other life threatening health problems

A person with HIV stage 3 (AIDS) has a significantly increased risk of developing a life threatening illness. Without treatment, people with AIDS typically live for around 3 years after diagnosis. Stage 3 HIV reduces the body’s ability to combat a range of infections and associated complications and types of cancer if a person with HIV does not receive treatment, latent infections that once caused minimal or no health problems can pose a serious risk.

At present, there is NO cure for HIV/AIDS. The best we can do to prevent this disease from spreading and taking more lives, is to educate and create awareness. Knowledge Is power

As you consume the information in this article, the call to action remains that every individual should be aware of their HIV status to prevent further spread of the virus, decrease mortality rate due to the virus progressing to deadlier stages, and educate themselves on how to deal with the virus, be it positive or negative.