Where to get tested for AIDS?

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

Updated on September 27, 2024

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If you suspect that you have contracted HIV, you should immediately go to a regular medical institution or a nationally designated hospital to undergo an initial HIV antibody screening test. If the initial screening test result is positive, you will need to further go to a disease control center or a nationally designated hospital for HIV testing to undergo further confirmatory tests. If the confirmatory test is also positive, then you can generally be diagnosed with HIV infection.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

36sec

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What are the most obvious symptoms of AIDS?

People with HIV exhibit different symptoms at different stages of the infection. During the acute phase of AIDS, the most evident symptoms may include rashes, generalized swelling of lymph nodes, sore throat, fever, etc. There are no obvious symptoms during the latent phase, which may only manifest as some swollen lymph nodes. In the late stage of the disease, patients are prone to recurrent fevers, weight loss, cough, and oral leukoplakia among other signs. It is important to handle these based on the actual situation and start treatment for HIV as soon as possible.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

38sec

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How is AIDS treated?

For the treatment of AIDS, antiretroviral therapy is required. It is important to diagnose and treat early, and patients should consistently adhere to treatment over the long term. Most patients can achieve relatively good results. If the virus levels remain undetectable over the long term, the immune system can recover to a normal state, and opportunistic infections will either not occur or previously occurred ones will gradually disappear. Standard antiretroviral therapy is critical, primarily involving a cocktail therapy that usually combines three different types of antiretroviral drugs.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

37sec

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Does AIDS cause headaches?

People with AIDS may experience headaches. This can occur when individuals with AIDS develop fevers due to opportunistic infections, leading to an increase in body temperature which may cause cerebral blood vessel dilation and result in headaches. Additionally, some AIDS patients may also have intracranial opportunistic infections, such as infections with Toxoplasma, Cryptococcus, and Tuberculosis, which can cause serious meningitis or encephalitis, leading to severe and intense headaches accompanied by fever. These conditions are very dangerous and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

1min 11sec

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What should I do if I am infected with AIDS?

If it is clearly an HIV infection, it is necessary to start antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible. Early treatment can effectively suppress the virus, eliminating its contagiousness and gradually restoring immune function to a near-normal state. During the medication process, it is crucial to take medicine at the right times and in the right amounts. Additionally, maintaining regular follow-ups and periodic re-evaluations of the condition to monitor any changes, watching out for side effects of medications, and assessing the effectiveness of the treatment are important. With regular follow-ups and proper care, it is indeed possible to live a normal lifespan and have a good quality of life. However, if the condition is allowed to progress without appropriate management, it may lead to serious complications and even death. If opportunistic infections or other complications are present, appropriate responses are necessary. For example, if there is a concurrent tuberculosis infection, active anti-tuberculosis treatment should be pursued. If there is a fungal infection, antifungal medications should be selected based on the specific type of fungus involved.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

33sec

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Can tattoos transmit AIDS?

Indeed, tattooing is a risk factor for HIV infection, especially in informal institutions where tattoo equipment may be shared. If the tattooing equipment is not properly sterilized, there is a risk of HIV infection. Tattooing and other forms of needle injuries are also pathways for HIV transmission. However, the most common route of HIV transmission is through sexual transmission, often via unprotected sexual activities. There are also cases of mother-to-child transmission, which should be considered based on specific circumstances.