Health: June 27 is National HIV Testing Day!

Photo Credits: HIV.gov

Hey, guys! Today is the National HIV Testing Day, are you going to go get tested?

According to HIV.gov, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HIV testing for everyone aged 13 to 64 at least once but that people who have higher risks of contracting HIV should get tested more often.

But who are the people considered at risk? 

HIV.gov said they are the men who had sex with another man, people who had sex whether anal or vaginal with a person who is HIV-positive, and people with multiple sex partners. Those who inject drugs and share needles are vulnerable as well as the sex workers and those who exchange sex for drugs or money. In addition, people who have been diagnosed with, or treated for, another sexually transmitted disease or diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis or tuberculosis (TB) must also get tested. Lastly, people who had sex with anyone mentioned above or with someone whose sexual history they don’t know are also at risk.

Moreover, HIV.gov highly recommends frequent testing for sexually active gay and bisexual men which means getting tested every three to six months. Regular testing is encouraged because the sooner the diagnosis is; the faster it is for the person who tested positive to start with the treatment.

Where to get tested?  

Searching for testing centers near you? If you are in United States simply use Get Tested website from the CDC and it will point you to testing sites and care services in your area. If you are in Australia, click here; or in New Zealand, book a test here; or if you are in Europe, click here. Those from the Philippines can check here or those in Asia in general can check this. Are you in Canada? Then, check this out. Are you in South Africa? Request for an appointment here.

HIV.gov’s theme this year is “Test Your Way. Do It Today” which is in accordance with CDC’s theme: Doing It. CDC wants to convey to everyone that “HIV testing should be a part of everyone’s regular health routine to keep ourselves and our community healthy. He’s doing it. She’s doing it. We’re doing it. YOU should be doing it, too.”

So, will you?

What do you think about getting tested, guys? Does HIV testing stigma continue to exist today in spite of all these campaigns? Do you suffer from self-stigma/internalized stigma and are afraid to get tested because of it? If so, read this information here to know more about self-stigma and how it can damage a person’s health and wellbeing.

Thoughts? Share it with us in the comments section below.