Even with so much resources we can use to research, some people still manage to try to "break the internet" and bring chaos to those with, apparently of, the same mindset.
Case in point, this Facebook post that uncontrollably went viral online since Friday night:
But here's the thing: There's a thin line between being ignorant and just plainly stupid.
Now let me re-introduce you to your old friend which you consciously (or not) ignored: GOOGLE.
What is HIV/AIDS and How Do You Get It?
HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a particular virus can only infect human beings, weakens your immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection, and can only reproduce itself by taking over a cell in the body of its host. (Source: aids.gov)
While AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome happens when your body's immune system includes all the organs and cells that work to fight off infection or disease is "deficient," or isn't working the way it should, and a syndrome – rather than a single disease – because it is a complex illness with a wide range of complications and symptoms. (Source: aids.gov)
HIV can be transmitted through...
What are the different types of HIV tests and How is it done?
There are three main types of HIV tests:
HIV antibody tests. HIV possesses many unique proteins on its surface and inside the virus itself. When someone is infected with HIV, their body produces substances designed to neutralize the virus. These substances are called antibodies, and they are directed against the unique proteins of HIV. Unfortunately, these HIV antibodies do not eliminate the virus. However, their presence serves as a marker to show that someone is infected with HIV. That said, these antibodies produced are the ones tested for HIV infection. HIV antibody tests are the most commonly used tests to determine if someone has HIV.
HIV RNA tests. The HIV RNA is different than all human RNA, and tests have been developed to detect HIV RNA in a person's blood. This uses a type of test called a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These tests are important for newborn screening of HIV-positive mothers since maternal antibody may cross the placenta and be present in the newborn. These tests may also be helpful in detecting HIV infection in the first four weeks following exposure, before antibodies have had time to develop. However, they are costly and are not routinely used to screen for infection.
HIV combination test. The HIV combination test detects antibodies directed against HIV-1 or HIV-2, as well as a protein called p24, which forms part of the core of the virus. This is important because it takes weeks for antibodies to form after the initial infection, even though the virus (and the p24 protein) is present in the blood. Thus, combination testing may allow for earlier detection of HIV infections. Preliminary studies suggest that diagnosis could be made an average of one week earlier using the combination test, compared to antibody testing alone. The test uses a reaction known as "chemiluminescence" to detect antibodies and p24 protein. In other words, if either the antibody or the p24 protein is present, the test reaction emits light that registers on a detector. There is only one currently approved combination test, the Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay. If this test is positive, it is recommended it be repeated. Tests that remain positive are confirmed with Western blot as described above.
Now here's what most people don't know and are not aware of:
How long does it take (incubation period) for HIV to be visible on HIV tests?
On an average, antibodies take about four weeks to reach detectable levels after initial infection, and falsely negative tests may [most likely to] occur during this so-called HIV window period.
Individuals with negative tests and who had high risk for HIV exposure should be retested in two to three months. (Source: Medicinenet.com)
Therefore, the question remains: How long (days, weeks, months) did the victim described in the Facebook post decided to get tested for HIV after initial infection?
Search, Think, Reflect, Think Again Before Posting
In a world where facts and news, even hoax and make-up-stories can be easily spread through social media, it is imperative that we should always do our research and make sure we get our facts straight before posting (or even react about) something online.
Because sometimes, instead of spreading awareness for the intention to help and make people avoid bad things to happen, we are spreading misinformation.
Just like those of the same myths in the 90's: ignorant and very unbecoming.
NOTE: If you want to get tested for HIV, here's a list of HIV Testing Centers.
If tested positive and needs help, here's a list of the HIV Treatment Hubs.
If you have questions/feedbacks, feel free to leave a comment or email me at RU12BrentRU12@gmail.com or on Twitter @BrentxRU12
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