Dubai is a vibrant city with state-of-the-art medical technology and advanced healthcare facilities to serve the diverse population of Dubai as health and overall well-being is the utmost priority and concern. Many people take advantage of healthcare facilities but some aspects of overall well-being are overlooked and under-discussed due to various social factors and the stigma associated with it. One of those aspects is sexual health and screening for human immunodeficiency (HIV) virus. Awareness of HIV and regular screening is crucial for timely medical intervention and management of the disease.
Despite the advancements in the medical facilities, research, and treatment options, people still believe in the misinformation surrounding HIV testing making it a taboo subject to talk about leading to the prevention of timely diagnosis and initiating the treatment. This article aims to explain the importance of HIV testing and the available options in Dubai for safe and confidential screening.
Why is Regular Screening of HIV Essential?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system of an individual to make him susceptible to other infections and diseases. The immune system weakens completely if the infection is left untreated and progresses to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS deteriorates one’s health completely and thus is crucial to detect the presence of the infection in its early stages to start medical treatment on time. With proper management and treatment individuals can live a long and healthy life.
Getting yourself screened regularly is vital for overall well-being because of the following reasons;
- Identification of HIV in its early stages gives ample time for individuals to start getting antiretroviral therapy that improves the quality of life significantly while also reducing the risk of transmission to other people as well.
- Some HIV infections silently progress for years without exhibiting any symptoms making it essential to get regular HIV health check in Dubai.
- When an individual is aware of their HIV status they can take responsible actions and precautionary steps to stop the virus transmission to their partners or unborn child.
- The HIV test is a simple test that provides immense peace of mind and relieves anxiety for people who are at high risk of contracting the infection and are unaware of their health status.
Advanced Healthcare System of Dubai
The healthcare system of Dubai is renowned for its superiority, advancements, and strict legal laws to maintain the confidentiality of the patients. The medical facilities in Dubai are well-equipped with top-notch facilities and technologies employed with highly skilled and trained technicians and licensed doctors to provide guidance and counseling to individuals for accurate HIV tests.
What Happens During an HIV Test?
HIV testing services Dubai are minimal to not invasive at all, it is easy, painless, and quick. There are various types of tests available including the following;
- Rapid tests provide the results instantaneously as the name suggests. The results are typically available within 20 to 30 minutes and require a small blood sample through a finger prick.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests are the most accurate blood tests used for the detection of HIV antibodies in the blood.
- The test commonly used for early detection of the infection is the PCR test. It identifies whether the virus is present or not and does not detect the antibodies.
Maintaining the anonymity and privacy of the patient is the top priority of the clinics and medical facilities in Dubai and they adhere to the rules and regulations strictly while securing the health-related data of the patients.
Who Needs an HIV Test?
HIV infection could be present in any individual who had exposure to the virus or an infected person or is sexually active. However, some people are at a higher risk of contracting the infection and they should never neglect regular screening of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
- People who are involved with multiple partners sexually.
- Individuals who have had or engaged in sexual activity without the use of protection such as condoms.
- If you have shared infected needles or syringes.
- Pregnant women should get the test done to ensure the safety of the fetus.
- People who are exhibiting signs and symptoms associated with HIV infection such as;
- Weight loss without any known or explainable reason
- Fever that persists for days to weeks followed by chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Profusion of night sweats
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Diarrhea that lasts for more than one week
- Appearance of rashes on mouth, genitals, or anus
- Pneumonia
How to Live a Healthy Life with HIV?
Infected people can live a fulfilling and productive life with the right treatment and changes in their lifestyle. Below some of the tips and significant steps to follow are given to ensure the maintenance of a healthy life and good general health;
- Take your medications on time without missing a dose, it is crucial to strictly follow the Antiviral Retro therapy (ART) regimen to ensure that the virus is under control and is not attacking the immune system actively.
- Intake of proper nutrition and diet is essential to support the immune system, as when the immune system is healthy, the overall health of the body is maintained too,
- To strengthen the body and relieve stress doctors advise you to do regular exercises and keep yourself active.
- For emotional stability, it is recommended to join support groups or get counseling from a healthcare professional to get encouragement and proper guidance.
- It is important to practice safe behaviors such as involving in sexual activity while using protection, you can reduce the risk of getting the infection if you have a single partner, and avoid sharing needles and personal hygiene items to reduce the transmission risk.
Prioritizing sexual health and regular screening is not only essential for personal well-being rather it safeguards the whole of society. Getting yourself tested is a simple step with uncountable benefits. It is crucial to create awareness among people to get themselves screened regularly so that they can get on-time medical attention in case of a positive test result while also limiting transmission.
