HIV or human immunodeficiency virus is one of the most dangerous sexually transmitted disease since it was first discovered over decades ago and until now.
Dangerous and fatal are two words that can describe this disease.
It is considered to have the most number of fatalities among all STDs.
It is never easy to deal with neither STDs nor HIV.
The thought of being infected makes one feel fear, shame, pain, hopelessness, despair and depression.
These are what one will also feel if he or she has to undergo an HIV test.
The patient may be thinking of the stigma that is attached to having STD.
And this may even be causing one to back out from the test.
Since STD and HIV are highly sensitive matters to deal with, many would like to keep things in private as much as possible.
This is totally understandable.
This disease can mean one's health and life as well.
With this matter, different organizations and other health groups are putting up ways to make STD and HIV testing more comfortable to take.
Though local STD and HIV testing are now readily available in different local health sites and hospitals, private clinics have offered a more private way of STD testing.
There are now STD testing clinics that offer private STD and HIV testing.
This keeps the identity of the person being tested.
It also keeps the test results in full confidentiality.
This way, the patient may feel comfortable with the test procedures and possible treatments that he or she must undergo.
Treatment is consisting of consultation with the doctor, physical examination, laboratory testing, counseling and medications.
Counseling is vital for any HIV patient because it can help them relax and be prepared for the treatment and possibilities that might happen during the course.
This is also to remove the entire trauma that he or she encountered during the test.
Though HIV is totally incurable as of today, there are antiviral medications that may be given to the patient to prevent further health complications.
The thought of being infected for life is really a stressful scene, so it is important that the person who will give care to the patient fully understand what is going on.
He or she may take time to research about the disease so that he or she will know the dos and don'ts of the disease.
Communication between the patient and the one taking care of him or her should always be open.
This way, you may know what the patient needs and wants.
Check out for physical symptoms and be quick to have a doctor inspect the patient.
You may never know the disease may be getting severe.
Help the patient during her regular checkups, so you may know what the doctor advises him or her to do.
And lastly, help the patient in everything he or she does.
HIV patients often feel exhausted.
A little help can save her energy for other activities and enjoy life more.
And most of all make everyday an enjoyable one.
Treat each passing day as normal.
It is important to keep the patient happy so that stress will not be added up to the burden that he or she is carrying.