Your HIV status, that is. Earlier this week, I wrote about how James and I decided to get tested at this past weekend’s Atlanta Pride festival, because it had been far too long since we had tested. Even though we have always tested negative in the past, we thought it was time that we get tested again; just to verify that things were still okay (and they are, we are both negative). We are in a strictly monogamous relationship, however, it still crosses my mind every day that I should KNOW my status, rather than accepting that it is still negative, since that is how I have tested in the past. For one, it is because I work in HIV prevention, but two, it is because I love James, and want us to be healthy and happy in our relationship together. Even though we are monogamous, it is always best to be 100%, rather than 99.9% sure, and he agrees.
I am writing about this today, because today is National HIV Testing day, and I thought it was necessary to challenge each and every one of my readers to go out, get an HIV test, and find out your status, both for you and for your partner(s) sake. You owe it to yourself, and to those that you have sex with, to find out your HIV status, and maintain an active knowledge of that status for both your health, and theirs.
Now, I bet you are thinking, “but duane, I didn’t get tested a pride… where can I go get tested?”. Well, I have great news; there is this great website that let’s you put in your zip code, which generates a list of HIV testing sites that are nearby. It is just that simple: type in your zip code, find where you want to go, and go get tested.
I have said it before, but I will say it again, only you can protect yourself from HIV infection.
But, wait, what if you test negative? Obviously, that is great news for you!! But that doesn’t mean that you can just forget about HIV; you MUST continue using protection, and continue to play it safe. It will literally save your life. CDC estimates that more than 40,000 people in the US alone are infected with HIV. This is just an estimate, because not all of these people are tested each year. If you don’t know your status, chances are, your partner doesn’t know theirs either; don’t let complacency cause you to risk your life.
I hope that everyone out there that sees this post will take the initiative to go out, get tested, and urge others to do the same. The best strategy for combating HIV is prevention. And remember, it isn’t just about knowing your status, it’s what you do with that knowledge; urge others to get tested, protect yourself, and maintain an active knowledge of your status… it could save your, and your partner’s, life.
I get tested every year for EVERYTHING! WoooooHooooooo! Yeah, I’m a good girl:)
Excellent advise Duane! Thanks!!!
I have been tested and will continue to be tested. With the tests where you have the results so quickly, there really is no reason not to get tested wether you are gay, straight, bi-sexual, or otherwise.
I actually haven’t been tested in about a year so its perhaps time I do… Having said that, Ontario has recently set up the 60 second test clinic - 20 minutes in and out. Lovely!
My partner gets tested for everything every year (for work) and his test just came back negative. Looks like its my turn for another test.
We also get tested once a year - married or not, just in case
I was tested a couple of times in England in 1999 and the first time I was so terrified that I almost never went back for the result. The only reason I was tested at all was that it was a requirement to immigrate to the US and I wanted to know for sure before I went for the “official” test. Needless to say it was negative. That turned out to be one of the happiest days of my life. I can’t remember ever feeling such relief. I actually broke down and cried when I heard the news. Duane, is that a common reaction? For many years up until then I was convinced that not only was I HIV but that I had full-blown AIDS and would die at any moment. I had barely even had anal sex and never unprotected. I suppose I was just paranoid. I have had no sex at all this decade so being tested now is of no concern to me. If I had to be tested for any reason now, though, waiting for the result would not worry me in the slightest.
Good idea Duane… we have the instant tests up here in the great white north now too.
Of course, one would have to get some to be concerned
And with my record over the past few years, I can count the times on one finger 
But, still, a good idea, I’m off to get a test anyway. Last time I went in to be tested, the gent at the clinic said, but you haven’t had any in years, why get tested? Just to double check I said. There might be gray around the edges, but…
Great post! Well written and excellent advice.