5 Key Benefits of Having a Home HIV Test Kit
It’s been nearly 40 years since HIV was first identified in the United States and our understanding of the virus has advanced greatly in that time. In those early years, the virus was able to spread prolifically because infected individuals can be asymptomatic for months or even years after infection. As such, many of those who spread the virus didn’t even know they were infected. This is why the proliferation of HIV testing has been one of the best ways to control HIV’s spread. In 2020, anyone can buy a home HIV test kit.
It’s important for everyone to get tested regularly, and home test kits make it easier than ever. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of testing at home.
1. Privacy and Convenience
The most readily-apparent perk of a home testing kit is the added privacy that it provides.
Too often individuals put off getting tested because they’re reluctant to visit a testing site. Alternatively, it can simply be a matter of finding the time to keep up with regular testing. A home test kit solves both of these issues.
2. Accuracy
A home test kit involves the individual taking a sample to send away to a lab for testing. These labs are on-par with any hospital lab and can provide the same standard of accuracy.
As such, a home test kit can provide the same results as you would get at your physician but at your convenience and often for a fraction of the cost.
3. Peace of Mind
There are a variety of factors that can increase the risk of contracting HIV. And even when you take proper precautions, it’s still possible to expose yourself to potential infection.
That’s why it’s important to test as a precaution and after experiencing early HIV symptoms.
HIV has a testing window of about 1-3 months. Healthcare professionals recommend that at-risk individuals get tested at least every 3 months.
4. Protecting Your Loved Ones
Most people test after experiencing the first symptoms of HIV, but what if you don’t realize you carry the virus? It can take an infected individual years before they start to manifest symptoms so many who carry the virus don’t know they’re infected.
This can pose a huge risk to their loved ones.
Sexual partners are at risk and HIV can also pass from mother-to-child. Getting tested regularly is a necessary step for at-risk individuals to protect not only themselves but those closest to them.
5. Protecting Your Health
HIV is a serious condition. However, it is no longer the death sentence that it once was.
Thanks to modern treatments, most individuals with HIV are now able to live normal, healthy lives for decades after contracting the disease. But it is important to get diagnosed early before the virus can compromise the immune system.
Home HIV testing makes it easier to get tested often and identify new cases early on, improving an individual’s ability to manage the condition.
Take Advantage of the Benefits of a Home HIV Test Kit
We’ve made great strides in controlling and treating HIV, but there is still a lot of work to do. As of 2018, there were nearly 38 million cases worldwide.
Until we find a cure, we owe it ourselves and each other to keep that number form climbing.
Make use of a home HIV test kit, either as a part of a regular testing regimen or after engaging in high-risk activities.
Need to take a drug test? Order a test today and perform the test in the comfort of your home.
