10 tips for early detection of HIV

MADRID, 27 November (EUROPA PRESS) –

In Spain, between 140,000 and 170,000 people are infected with HIV, 18% of whom have not yet been diagnosed. In 2017, 3,381 new diagnoses were reported, representing approximately seven carriers of the disease. every 100,000 inhabitants.

Figures are expected to increase in the coming years. For example, on December 1, the Spanish Society for Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) and the AIDS Task Force (GESIDA) developed the "Decalogue of Recommendations for Detection". early HIV infection.

1. HIV testing should be encouraged to promote early diagnosis and reduce the number of undiagnosed people.

2. Although there are rapid tests and self-tests, the definitive diagnosis is established only in specialized laboratories.

3. The test must be voluntary, confidential, with the informed consent of the person to whom it is made and accessible to the entire population.

4. It may be requested to consult any doctor. This is also done in some pharmacies and NGOs.

5. The test is mandatory in some cases, such as for blood donations or organs, people who participate in a program of assisted procreation techniques, as well as obtaining and receiving sperm.

6. The test should always be offered to pregnant women, women prisoners in prisons and all sexually active persons between 20 and 59 years of age.

7. It is advisable to take the test in people who may have been exposed to HIV by contact with certain body fluids of an infected person (blood, sperm and pre-seminal fluid, vaginal and rectal secretions and breastmilk). signs and / or symptoms of infections and tumors usually associated with HIV.

8. A negative result does not rule out a recent infection (in the last two weeks to three months, depending on the test). Therefore, if there has been a risk exposure during this period, it is necessary to repeat the HIV test at 2 to 4 weeks and after 3 months.

9. If the result of the test is positive, it is necessary to confirm it. In this case, it will be necessary to perform additional tests to determine the stage of HIV infection and initiate antiretroviral therapy.

10. If HIV infection is confirmed, antiretroviral therapy should be started early as it keeps the virus undetectable, increases defenses, improves quality of life and virtually prevents the possibility of transmitting the infection to a person. Other people.