Tag Archives: #HIV

An at home HIV test?

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The reason why many people don’t go get regular HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing is because they are embarrassed to talk to their healthcare practitioner (HCP) that they have a relationship with, and get nervous to go to STD clinics because they are worried about stigma if they see anyone they know. One way to break that stigma? the new OraQuick at home HIV testing kit. It only takes about 20 minutes to get results, and has everything that you need to test yourself for HIV-1 and HIV-2 (the two main strains of HIV).  Of course, if you are at high risk for STI’s and have symptoms, you should still go and get a full HIV and STI panel of testing with physical assessment by your HCP. But it is fast, efficient HIV testing in the comfort of your own home; but how it works might be confusing.

 How does the at-home test work?

This OraQuick HIV test is the only FDA approved at home HIV testing kit currently on the market.  The kit comes with very easy to read and specific directions, but the test itself does not require any blood, so you do not need to poke or prick yourself to draw blood.  It uses the fluid and cells from your gums to test for the HIV antibodies; you just need to use the swab that is included in the kit, rub it over your upper and lower gums, then put it in a little test tube of fluid (provided).  That will test the cells and fluid of your gums for the HIV antibody and you will have your results in 20 minutes. The results read in a similar fashion to a pregnancy test, there is always one line that should show, once you start the test, which is the control line, to let you know that the test is working properly.  If both lines illuminate, then you are positive.  Of course positive results do need to be sent to a lab for a further test and you need to have them confirmed by an HCP, just to ensure that the test is correct. They offer 24/7 support online, along with videos on how to perform the test and interpret the results directly on their website.

Where can I get the test?

You can buy the OraQuick at any local pharmacy here in the US (CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Rite Aid, and Navarro.)  And you can also check out the OraQuick website to purchase the test directly from them.  The tests cost $39.99 USD per test and are good for one sample.

The bottom line?

If you are specifically in need of HIV screening/testing, this is a great option for those without an HCP or if you cannot get into a clinic for testing. That being said, if you are at risk for HIV, you are most likely at risk for other STI’s and I do suggest getting checked out by an HCP so they can physically assess you and test for a whole array of STI’s that you may or may not be aware that you are at risk for.  HIV is just one of many Sexually Transmitted Infections, so please know your risks, cut those risks by using condoms, or other barrier methods, to prevent the spread of infection. So be safe, choose your partners wisely, and get tested frequently.

Yours in Good Health

B

 

Too good to be true? A drug to Prevent HIV.

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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is still a very real, and very serious risk for those that are sexually active, especially with the fact that there are around 50,000 new cases diagnosed even year in the US and it is  approximated that there are 240,000 undiagnosed carriers, unaware of their status, and around 1.2 million Americans live with the disease.  Those numbers are pretty staggering, right? And the FDA did approve a drug, Truvada, to help as a second preventative measure against HIV about a month ago.  But, there is some controversy related to the drugs approval.

How does it work?

Truvada has been on the market since 2004 to treat HIV, and it is two antiretrovial drugs in combination that tenofovir and emtricitabine that has a higher compliance rate because the two medications are fused into one pill.  The drug, in combination with others, help to prevent the replication of the HIV virus within the DNA, which is how the virus spreads, and usually very quickly. The use of antiretrovirals helps to prevent the virus from spreading.

How does it prevent HIV?

Well, the makers of the drugs did numerous studies with couples that have one HIV infected partner and looked at transmission rates.  Of course, they always encourage the partners to use condoms as that is the best way to prevent the spread of infection, creating a barrier technique.  There was one 3-year long study performed looking at gay and bisexual males, along with the use of condoms and counseling, and they found that the rate of HIV transmission was decreased by 42%.  In heterosexual couples with one infected partner, again with the use of condoms, the transmission rate was decreased by 75%. Those are pretty fantastic results, and give a lot of piece of mind for those at high risk.  It was already prescribed by some HCPs to patients that didn’t have HIV with HIV positive partners as an off label use, but now it is big news that the FDA approved it, which means preliminary research supports the fact that it does, in fact, help to prevent the transmission of HIV to those not infected.

Where’s the controversy?

Some HCPs and HIV/AIDS activists worry that people will ask their HCPs for the drug and be more reckless with unsafe sex because they will feel that they are able to engage in high risk activities (multiple partners, no condoms, sharing needles, etc.) and will not become infected with HIV.  That is not the point of the drug.  The drug is to be used by those at risk due to life circumstances, and they are still encouraged to use condoms and are to be counseled related to their risks and other preventative measures.

Remember that HIV can be spread when blood/genital secretions infected with HIV comes into contact with your blood/tissues, like those tissues of the oral/vaginal/anal mucosa, eyes, any cut or break in the skin.  Thus, some behaviors that put you at risk are having sex without condoms, sharing needles (not just for IV drug use, but for tattoos, steroid injections, and body piercing), and infected mothers can transmit to their babies during childbirth or through breast milk.  So try to abstain from these behaviors, and talk to your HCP about getting tested if you think you are at risk, or have been exposed. I happen to think routine testing is a good idea for anyone who is sexually active, so go for it, it will put you mind at ease!  If you your partner is infected, talk to your HCP and see if Truvada is right for you, but STILL USE CONDOMS!!  Have fun, and be safe.

Yours in Good Health

B