| While a lot of awareness has been created about the | | | | process of going to a clinic may cause a lot of |
| spread of HIV and how HIV's spread can be controlled | | | | discomfort. This certainly should not hold you back any |
| and abated, there is still a lot of work to be done. In | | | | longer though because today one has the option of |
| 2006, the US Center for Disease Control and | | | | choosing a home HIV test. Home HIV testing can help |
| Prevention (CDC) estimated that about 20 percent of | | | | you gain the courage to actually test and determine |
| HIV-infected people in the US do not know their status | | | | your status. |
| because they have not been tested. | | | | The home HIV test is FDA approved and ensures |
| HIV testing is essential for everyone for more reasons | | | | complete privacy. All that you need to do is to send in |
| than one. By detecting HIV status early in life, you can | | | | your sample and keep the unique and anonymous |
| ensure appropriate monitoring of the condition, obtain | | | | code that is assigned to the home HIV test kit. The |
| adequate and relevant health care and ensure that | | | | results of the test can be obtained over the phone by |
| you can extend your life in a healthy manner. In | | | | calling a toll free number. Whether you want the results |
| addition, early detection can also help in avoiding the | | | | of the home HIV test sent to you by mail or email is a |
| spread of the HIV from you on to others. | | | | complete matter of choice and can be determined |
| Many people are simply not aware that regular and | | | | over the phone. |
| timely HIV testing is key to early detection. The US | | | | The confidential aspect of home HIV testing can make |
| Center for Disease Control and Prevention | | | | all the difference for someone who wants and needs |
| recommends that everyone between the age of 13 | | | | to be tested. It is hoped that more people will choose |
| and 64 years should be given the option of HIV testing | | | | to take this completely private and confidential test |
| as part of the regular annual health check up. Specific | | | | instead of foregoing testing at all. In this way they can |
| communities with a higher incidence of HIV/AIDS | | | | get adequate treatment to delay the onset of AIDS |
| should ensure that they get HIV testing done more | | | | and make lifestyle changes that will stop the spread of |
| often. | | | | the virus as well. |
| For some this may be easier said than done, and the | | | | |