HIV is one of biggest problems that we face today, causing millions of deaths all across the globe. Sadly, HIV still does not have any cure till date, which makes it a very difficult situation for us to handle.

A major factor which has changed the situation from bad to worse is unawareness. As we see all around us, the world is filled with undetected cases of HIV infections. This is a potential danger. People most often, unknowingly infect others, who in turn pass the virus to someone else. This way, the cycle continues. More so, the number of undetected cases may be far more than what our rough estimates may suggest.

To deal with this situation, the HIV testing can be a safe bet. It can prove to be an important tool in stopping the disease from spreading further. As it is, HIV testing are confidential and names of those, who are found to be HIV positive are closely guarded secrets and are not revealed to anyone, except in situations, when the HIV patient is putting others to the risk of infection.

As it is, you can go for a confidential HIV testing via two modes:

Confidential HIV testing at an HIV testing center
An HIV testing center is the best place to go for HIV testing. As it is HIV testing involves collection of your blood and saliva samples. Results are told personally, so no one except you knows about the outcome of the tests.

It has to be noted here that although you may have been infected by HIV, you may not show any visible symptoms and tests may even suggest that you are HIV negative. Due to this reason, a second test is conducted after six months to arrive at a valid conclusion. This because, it may take three to five months for HIV to grow up to detectable limits; after you have been exposed to it.

Confidential HIV testing with the help of an HIV Home testing Kit
Another mode of confidential HIV testing is to go for a home HIV testing kit. In a home HIV testing kit, you are required to take samples of your blood and saliva at home, with the help of an HIV home testing kit and send them to an HIV testing center. Also, new kits are also available, which do not even require you to send your samples to a testing center. They would readily show you the results within a few minutes.

Although such kits are quite helpful in maintaining confidentiality; to arrive at a valid conclusion, you will have to go to an HIV testing center. This is because, most of these testing kits in the market are not approved by the FDA and may give you wrong information.

Confidentiality is an important aspect of HIV testing. This is done to avoid discrimination which can be meted out to the affected person. Therefore, Government has made strict rules regarding confidentiality.

HIV is one of biggest problems that we face today. As of it, HIV still does not have any cure, which makes it a very difficult situation for us to handle.

As we see all around us, the world is filled with undetected cases of HIV infections. This is a potential danger. People most often, unknowingly infect others, who in turn pass the virus to someone else. This way, the cycle continues.

Along with the rising number of HIV cases in recent times, the need for HIV testing has raised manifolds. With a large number of deaths occurring due to HIV/AIDS, concrete steps became the need of the hour.

A number of steps were taken in this regard. For example a number of free HIV testing centers were set up in many places. This was an important step in this direction. However a lot was still needed as most people are scared to go to a clinic for HIV tests. This further worsened the condition.

There are a number of tests which are conducted to check whether a person is HIV positive or not. The most common amongst these tests is the blood test. In a blood test, detection of a number of substances in the blood are detected, such as HIV antibodies, as well as HIV proteins; which shows whether a person is infected with HIV or not and if yes, then to what extent. It may be interesting to note that, blood tests can be classified under a number of categories.

As it is, the following are some of the blood tests, which are most commonly used:

1. Elisa
This is the most common type of test, which is conducted and as it is, this is the first test to be conducted on the blood of the patient. This test is done to detect the presence of antibodies in the blood.

2. Western Blot
In case if the results from Elisa are negative, then the testing procedure stops. However, if results show presence of HIV antibodies, then the blood samples are send for a Western Blot test, for reconfirmation. In a Western Blot test, detection of the presence of HIV protein is carried out.

3. HIV PCR
This is another test which is carried out to reconfirm the results of the above two tests. These tests are conducted to detect the presence of contaminated DNA and RNA in the blood. The presence of theses corrupted DNA and RNA indicates the presence of HIV.

Blood testing is by far one of the moist reliable sources of HIV testing. It is one of the most common tests and is highly specific.

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is spreading at a very fast rate. In near future, the number of deaths due to AIDS is expected to increase at an alarming level; and may even exceed the total number of deaths recorded in both the world wars. It is due to this reason that proper and timely action needs to be taken, to reduce the impact that this virus is potent of causing.

As it is, the black population is one of the worst affected. There are several reasons for it. The following are the main reasons as to why the black population is severely affected by this virus:

1. The first and foremost reason which is stated is that, the genetic build up of the colored race is more vulnerable to getting infected by the virus. Although there are no conclusive proofs to justify this logic, a large number of scientists all across the world believe it to be the primary cause of the mayhem that HIV has caused in the black community.
2. Another major reason for the widespread damage that has been caused by the virus is stated to be lack of proper knowledge in regard to the spread of HIV at such an alarming rate amongst people of the black community. As it is, the majority of the black population resides in the developing nations, who are not equipped with adequate resources, to spread further education in regard to HIV.
3. Lack of proper testing facilities is another cause, as to why HIV has affected the black community to such a large extent. Lack of proper infrastructure is a main cause for the lack of proper testing facilities; as a result of which, this virus has spread to such an enormous extent.
4. Also, poor nations are less likely to afford the costly medical treatment, which is required in such cases. So, while the rich nations have been able to upgrade their medical facilities to increase the average lifespan, poor nations of Africa have to be content with not so advanced medical facilities, which anyway, they would not be able to afford.
5. Widespread rumors are also the cause of the spread of HIV amongst people of the black community. A very widespread rumor, which severed the condition, was that having sexual intercourse with a virgin could treat AIDS. A number of young girls and children were eventually raped in order to get rid of the virus. However, this further aggravated the situation, further passing on the virus to many more people.

As it is, the need of the hour is to lend a helping hand to those affected by the virus, irrespective of their racial status. Although quite a few organizations have come forward for the rescue of the black community, as far as HIV is concerned; there is still a lot of work to be done to save our fellow colored brethren.

AIDS is one of the most dreaded diseases of our times. The most dangerous aspect of HIV is the fact that it affects the immune system of the body, leaving you exposed to a number of diseases, with virtually no protection of any kind.

Since the immune system of our body is responsible for warding off potential threat to the body, in the form of virus, bacteria and protozoa, a damaged immune system itself, leaves an HIV+ patient with little hope for recovery. This is because AIDS is still an incurable disease till date; and though we may have significant advancement in this regard, we still have a long way to go, before we are actually able to find a cure.

Therefore by the time we are able to come up with a cure, the best way to fight it of course is to save yourself from getting infected.

Doctors and medical practitioners are some of the most vulnerable people, as regards to HIV infection is concerned. This is mainly by virtue of the constant exposure to people with HIV. As it is, doctors and medical practitioners are at constant risk of getting infected by HIV. The following are some of the risks, which doctors and medical practitioners get exposed to:

1. Open cuts and wounds are an important cause of concern for many doctors and medical practitioners. Getting exposed to open cuts and wounds without proper protection can cause infection. It is therefore advised to get proper protection to those who are exposed to open cuts and wounds.
2. Accidentally pricking yourself with a syringe is another cause of concern as far as exposure to HIV is concerned. A number of cases have been reported, where doctors and medical practitioners were infected with the virus, when they accidentally pricked themselves with a syringe, which was earlier used to inject an HIV patient.
3. Blood transfusion is also another area of concern. Due to lack of proper screening facilities at many places, doctors and medical practitioners are constantly exposed to blood, which has been contaminated with HIV. As a result, this too poses a grave risk to them and exposes them to a dangerous situation, which can cause HIV infection.
4. Some scientists have even stated that unlike what is perceived, HIV can actually survive in the environment for a fairly long time. Although we do not have any conclusive proof in this regard; but if at all this theory is found out to be true, then in that case, medical practitioners are definitely under high risk of getting exposed to HIV/AIDS.

It therefore becomes all the more necessary for doctors and medical practitioners to take adequate steps of protection, in order to save themselves from getting exposed to HIV infection.

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the most dreaded disease of our times. The most dangerous aspect of HIV is the fact that it affects the immune system of the body, leaving you exposed to a number of diseases, with virtually no protection of any kind. Now, since the immune system of our body is responsible for warding off potential threat to the body, in the form of external factors, such as virus, bacteria and protozoa.

Since the immune system itself is damaged, an HIV+ patient has little hope. This is because HIV is still an incurable disease till date; and though we have many scientists claiming to find a cure, we still lack conclusive evidence on their part. Therefore, the best way to fight HIV/AIDS is to save you from getting infected.

Unprotected sexual intercourse is one of the major causes of spreading of the disease. It therefore becomes necessary to use a barrier, to reduce the risk of getting infected with HIV/AIDS. As it is, the male condom is by far the most important barrier that we have today. Apart from that, female condoms too play a very vital role in preventing the spread of the virus, via sexual intercourse.

Using a condom, does not in any way implies a risk free sexual intercourse, but it definitely reduces the risk of getting infected by a significant margin. However, there are a few things that you need to remember, before you go for a condom. The following are some of these factors that you must always consider:

1. The first thing that you need to see is that your condom needs to be a latex condom and should not be made of any other material, such as lambskin. This is because; latex or rubber would provide you with the maximum amount of protection during sexual intercourse.
2. Another important aspect that you should always keep in mind is that, your condom should be big enough to cover the entire penis. Any condom which does not cover your entire penis is actually increasing the chances of getting infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
3. Apart from that, you should see to it that, you are using a different condom, every time you are having sexual intercourse. This is very important and you should always remember it.
4. You should also check the packaging of the condom and see to it, whether it actually says anything about disease protection. Fancy and stimulating condoms which do not say anything about disease prevention should be avoided.
5. Proper storage of the condom would also play a very important role in prevention from getting infected. This is because, unless the condom is properly stored, then it might give way during sexual intercourse.

Using a condom lowers your risk of infection by a great margin; and although the safest form of sex is no sex at all, using a condom would greatly reduce your risk of getting infected.

HIV/AIDS has grown into a sort of epidemic in today’s times. What makes it so deadly, is the fact that, it is a life threatening disease, which still does not have any cure. Although we have a number of retroviral drugs and medications, which help in increasing the lifespan of an infected person, it can not definitely be said to be a cure.

Now sadly, we do not have too many options that we can think of, when we consider a fight against HIV/AIDS. So, until the day, we are able to find a cure for HIV, the best way to fight this disease, is to prevent oneself from getting infected.

The following are some of the ways of prevention from HIV infection:

1. Blood transfusion
In case of blood transfusion, you should always get the screening details of the blood. Similarly in case of organ transplantation screening would save you from getting infected with HIV.

2. Use sterilized needles
You should always use sterilized needles and disposable syringes, if you do not wish to be infected with HIV. By doing this, you significantly reduce your chances of infection. It is better to avoid piercing and tattoos; and even if you do wish to get a tattoo or piercing job done, then make sure, that the needles are properly sterilized.

3. Sexual abstinence
Unprotected sex is one of the major reasons for spread of HIV at such a rapid rate. Therefore the best thing to do for you, if you do not wish to be infected with it is, to go for total abstinence from sexual activity, till you are married to a person who is tested free of HIV.

4. Monogamous relationship
Having sex with a number of people would always increase your chances of getting infected with HIV. So, a monogamous sexual relationship with a person tested free of HIV, considerably reduces your chances of HIV infection.

5. Sexual protection measures
You should never indulge in unprotected sex. Although condoms do not completely eliminate your chances of HIV infection; they surely do reduce your chances of infection by a considerable margin.

6. Avoid open cuts and wounds
Open cuts and wounds considerably increase your chances of contacting HIV. It is therefore advisable to refrain from open cuts and wounds.

7. Precautions in case of pregnancy
If you are pregnant, it is better to get an HIV test done. There are a few medication facilities, which considerably lower the chances of transfer of HIV from a mother to her unborn child. Also take advice from your doctor in regard to breast feeding, if you have been infected with HIV.

Apart from these basic steps, a considerably important step in regard to your fight with HIV is spreading awareness. Since unawareness is one of the major reasons for the wild spread of HIV, a major step in our fight with HIV, would be to spread awareness in this regard.

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the most dreaded disease of our times. Although the very first recordings of HIV have not been very long ago, yet it has been able to spread its tentacles at a very alarming rate, infecting millions of people all across the globe. A major cause of HIV spreading at such a high rate is unawareness. Various myths and misconceptions add to the problem.

The most dangerous aspect of HIV is the fact that it affects the immune system of the body, leaving you exposed to a number of diseases, with virtually no protection of any kind. With the immune system itself being damaged, an HIV+ patient is left with absolutely no hope, for recovery. This is because HIV is still an incurable disease till date; and though we have many scientists claiming to find a cure, we still lack conclusive evidence on their part.

As it is, latest studies have come up with some disturbing facts. Some of them are as follows:

1. Nearly twenty five million deaths due to AIDS have been recorded in the past twenty five years. This means that on an average, around one million people die due to AIDS each year. Although there has been significant improvement in retroviral medication techniques in the past few years, yet complacency should be the last thing in our mind when dealing with HIV/AIDS.
2. In the year 2007 itself, it has been estimated that as many as two million people have died due to AIDS. This is a significant number and gives us a brief idea of what is in store for us in future, if we do not take timely action.
3. It is also estimated, that as many as thirty three million people are living with HIV infection, along with two and a half million new cases in the year 2007 itself. This is a great setback for us in our efforts to stop HIV/AIDS from strengthening its roots.
4. It has also been estimated that more than ninety percent of HIV infected people live in the developing nations. This is another matter of great concern. This is because; these nations do not have adequate facilities to deal with the problem of HIV/AIDS infection. As it is lack of proper education as well as proper medical facilities, make the situation much worse.
5. The number of children living with HIV infection is also relatively high and is estimated to be more than two million. With more than four hundred and twenty thousand HIV related deaths among children in the year 2007, the situation is truly nerve wracking.

The above estimates however, are only the tip of the iceberg. In fact, actual number of HIV infected cases, may be far more than this. It therefore calls for swift action from our side, in order to tackle this nuisance called HIV.

One of the most significant developments in light of the gradual growth of HIV/AIDS as a killer epidemic is the flotation of a number of conspiracy theories. Most of these conspiracy theories harbor on the idea that, HIV/AIDS is a man made disaster.

As it is, further debates on this topic have led to a general boost to the already prevalent race war among the people. The following are some of the race related theories which have been floated for some time:

Conspiracy theory one: AIDS/HIV is a virus designed by the US Government to eliminate the entire black race.

This theory is one of the most common theories of all times and has been in the circuits, for more than a decade. The theory has also found favor with a majority of people from the black community, as Africans and Afro-Americans are among the worst hit people. According to a recent survey, more than ninety percent of those affected by HIV/AIDS live in the developing and underdeveloped world.

Due to these reasons, the conspiracy theory that the HIV/AIDS virus was evolved in the US laboratories, as a well planned genocidal move to eliminate the non-white race. Irresponsible comments by many members of the Congress have added further fuel to the controversy.

Many more related conspiracy theories, suggesting the involvement of the WHO in the mass murder and genocide of the colored people have also surfaced in recent times. As it is, there were even claims that the vaccination program conducted by the WHO is a conspiracy to inject the black race with HIV/AIDS virus.

Conspiracy two: HIV/AIDS was a laboratory experiment conducted on the black race.

This is another theory, which has become very popular in recent times. Supporters of this theory claim that the HIV/AIDS virus was actually part of a laboratory program, which went wrong. As it is the experiment was conducted on a number of people belonging to the black community. However, the experiment went wrong and HIV began its journey and continues to do so. People also suggest that, even when the experiments went wrong, practically no steps were taken to prevent it from spreading further. This was primarily because, the people at stake were not from the white community and so, the US government chose to play it down.

Conspiracy theory three: HIV/AIDS is not at all a virus

This is by far the most bizarre theories of all times. Of late, it has been able to find favor with a number of people all across the globe. Supporters of this theory suggest that, HIV/AIDS is not at all a virus, but instead it is a result of certain drugs and vaccines which have been administered to the public and primarily to the black race.

There have been a number of conspiracy theories, related to the evolution and spread of HIV/AIDS. As it is, HIV/AIDS is one of the biggest problems till date and instead of focusing on who and why it started; it would be much better to focus on how to end it.

As we all know, that HIV/AIDS is one of the most serious problems that we face in current times. The situation is in fact getting worse, everyday, as we see a continuous rise in the number of cases of HIV/AIDS infection.

HIV is spreading its tentacles at a great speed. It is due to this reason that makes it a grave danger to the entire mankind. You must always remember that it is you and me, who can actually change the situation. The best way to reduce the impact of HIV, as well as to degrade its spread further, is to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS.

The following are a few vital pieces of information, in regard to this problem:

1. Transmission
There are many theories floated around the world, in regard to the modes of transmission of HIV from one person to another. However most of these theories are mere myths, with absolutely no scientific justifications of any kind. Till date, there are mainly three conclusive modes of transmission which is known to us; transmission through seminal/vaginal fluids, transmission through blood and transmission from a mother to her child, which also includes transmission through breast milk as well.

2. Prevention
Since HIV is still an incurable disease, therefore, prevention from HIV/AIDS is the only solution that we have, as far as curing the disease is concerned. For prevention from HIV, you need to do a lot many things. One of the best ways of prevention is to go for total abstinence from sexual activity, till you are married to a person who is tested free of HIV. You should never indulge in unprotected sex. Always use condoms, to avoid HIV.

Apart from that, it is also advisable to refrain from open cuts and wounds. Also, you should always use sterilized needles and disposable syringes. In case of blood transfusion, you should always get the screening details of the blood. Similarly in case of organ transplantation screening would save you from getting infected with HIV. If you are pregnant, it is better to get an HIV test done.

3. Treatment
Although HIV is an incurable disease till date, various medications facilities are available which can help conditions from getting worse and delay the arrival of AIDS. With the help of theses medications an HIV infected person can lead a fairly normal life for a considerably longer period of time. HIV medication helps in preventing the virus from spreading further for a considerably long time. It tries to stop the virus from growing further, as well as stopping it from infecting the unaffected cells.

As it is, by way of spreading awareness, about HIV/AIDS, we can considerably lower the chances of it spreading further. Also, it is necessary to deal with the stigma and misconceptions associated with HIV/AIDS.

Along with the rising number of HIV cases in recent times, the need for HIV testing has risen manifolds. A number of steps were taken in this regard. For example; setting up of free HIV testing centers in many places. This was an important step in this direction. However a lot was still needed as most people are scared to go to a clinic for HIV tests. This further worsened the condition.

In order to address this problem, the HIV home test came into light. An HIV home test kit enables you to know the results on the spot. Although it may appear to be easier to go for a home testing Kit, yet it is not a very accurate testing system. This means that you will anyway have to go for an HIV test at the clinic to get a confirming report.

In many countries, it is illegal to sell HIV testing kits to the public, although there is some debate on whether they should be allowed to be sold in the market. However if you wish to go for an HIV home test kit, it is better to go for a kit which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration Department. It has to be mentioned here that like all anti body tests, these tests too need a period of at least six months for confirmation.

However, these kits have their share of advantages as well. As of it, these kits are easily available at local stores, or can be ordered on phone and through internet as well. Due to this reason, it is quite effective in case of people who do not have easy access to HIV testing centers. Apart from this the FDA approved HIV home kits are considered to give one of the most accurate results.

Despite this one can not ignore the fact that, there are many unapproved kits in the market as well. Due to this reason, the results can not said to be reliable. Not just that, it does not actually solve the purpose of anonymity, simply because, you will any way have to go to the store to buy the kit. This would reveal your identity. Also, if you choose to order it by phone, or through internet, then in that case, your identity is revealed as well. Apart from this there is no scope for counseling, which is available in case of an HIV testing center. Counseling is really important to help an infected person to deal with the after effects.

Along with the above demerits, it also has an additional disadvantage, that there is absolutely no scope for partner notification. An infected person may not share the information regarding his infection with his/her partner, exposing his/her to the risk of getting infected as well.

HIV home test kits have their share of advantages and disadvantages; and it is up to you to decide, which way to go.