Some people are reluctant to do an HIV test for several reasons, usually they are reluctant because of fear and shame, but did you know it is important to do an HIV test in order to avoid the worst that could happen to you. In this post, misterhidayat wants to share information about 5 tips before deciding to take an HIV test.
5 Tips Before Taking an HIV Test
1. More references
Before taking an HIV test, you should increase your references by reading information and watching videos about HIV news. Why? so that there is no misperception of this disease, make sure the information you get is the latest and updated information, lest you get old information that makes you think that HIV is the same as death even though the world of health is currently supported by science and technology, HIV can be handled One of them is through ARV treatment.
Apart from reading, watching inspirational or motivational videos from PLWHA (people with hiv aids) is also important to increase your motivation so that at least you want to come to the hospital and consult a doctor about this issue.
2. Join social media groups
The second suggestion and tip is to join social media groups such as Facebook, in order to increase your insight and knowledge about HIV disease directly from people who experience it. I suggest joining groups not only local but international groups so that the insights gained are even wider.
3. Finding the right place for HIV testing
The third tip is to find the right place for an HIV test, either a hospital or a health center. How to? You can use the Google app to find HIV test sites. For example, if you are located in Jakarta, please search via Google with the keyword “HIV test place in Jakarta”. Usually there are blogs or vlogs about reviews of hospitals they have visited to do an HIV test. You can also ask questions through social media groups that you have joined, ask about their experiences during the test at that place, how health workers treat HIV patients and so on.
4. Accept your own shortcomings
It is undeniable that living with HIV is a difficult thing, even so you must be able to accept your own shortcomings. Cultivate the thought that no one is perfect. Everyone has flaws and mistakes because that’s what it means to be human. Humans are in the wrong place but will be a noble human if we can correct our mistakes and become better for ourselves and even inspire others.
5. Find friends to test
The last or fifth tip is to find a friend who can accompany you when you do an HIV test, why? If you have done the tips or suggestions in the previous point and you are mentally ready to take an HIV test, whatever the results, we still need at least one friend who can encourage you, especially if the results are not as expected.
Those are 5 tips before deciding to do an HIV test, you can do the tips and suggestions above so you don’t get the wrong idea about this disease because I emphasize again that HIV is not the same as death. HIV can be handled so don’t despair, keep fighting for life and be an inspiration to others.
