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Advantages of testing

Treatments for HIV have improved.

There is no cure for HIV infection. However, new treatments are helping many people with HIV to lead full and active lives. If you are HIV positive, the sooner you know, the better. In the year 2000, 35% of people who died of HIV-related problems in the USA, died within six months of their HIV diagnosis. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if they had tested sooner for HIV and been able to access treatments in time for them to make a difference.

If you test HIV+, your doctor will be able to monitor the HIV infection and advise on possible treatments. If you start treatment long after being infected with HIV you may be at greater risk of becoming ill or developing AIDS.

Peace of mind

Whether you are HIV negative or HIV positive you can take control and decide what to do next - there will be no more uncertainty or guessing about your HIV status.

Taking greater care of your health

If you are HIV positive, knowing this will help your doctor to accurately diagnose and treat any problems with your health.

You can also protect yourself from other illnesses e.g. flu or TB which may be more serious if you are HIV positive.

Access to services

There are several organisations in Edinburgh which can help you cope with an HIV positive diagnosis and offer advice, counselling and practical help if you need it. For further information go to the links section on this site.

In spite of these advantages, you may want to consider possible disadvantages before deciding to test.