I am worried about HIV, what should I do?

If you are worried about possible infection, have had risky contact with an infected person or are observing any of the symptoms of HIV, in short, whatever your situation, it is important not to panic, fear and worry that there is no way out. You are not alone, there is help.

The first thing you can do is contact your general practitioner, this is usually the first safe contact, you know him well, he knows your health condition and can refer you to specialists for tests at any time. Another option is the infectious disease department of any hospital, this is the best and fastest option, for example if you come with concerns about risky contact within 72 hours of possible infection. They will always help you with a specific risk and current concern. (Not only with HIV, but also with other sexually transmitted diseases.)

A dermatovenerologist, i.e. a skin doctor. The disadvantage of this route is usually the long appointment time, but you can also deal with other sexually transmitted diseases and testing with a dermatologist.

You can take an HIV test at any time. You can take an HIV test whenever you have concerns, doubts or have been voluntarily or involuntarily, consciously or unconsciously exposed to risk. Specifically, these are the following situations:

Risky sexual intercourse, unknown partner, casual acquaintance, unprotected sex, rape. After contact with blood, for example after sharing a needle when using drugs, in case of injury and direct contact with the blood of a stranger (for example when providing first aid). When any of the symptoms of HIV appear. If you have uncertainty and fear.

These are all reasons why your path should lead to testing.

HIV TESTING: step by step

It is usually very simple, fast and discreet. The test is reliable after 2-4 weeks (so-called indicative test), after six weeks (very high reliability), after three months (the result is considered definitive). If the result is negative and not enough time has passed since the possible infection, the test is repeated. This period can be very demanding, so do not hesitate to contact the experts who are available to you and will provide the necessary psychological help.

What to expect?

You will come to the testing site, it can be a hospital, a counseling center or a mobile testing tent. Often without an appointment and anonymously. The first person you come across will advise you and direct you to where you need to go. You will have a short interview (voluntary) and the health professional may ask about the risks - the goal is to correctly evaluate the test, not to judge you, so it is important to tell the truth and it is also okay to say that you do not want to talk about a specific situation. (This applies in particular to situations where you were subjected to forced sex or rape. Remember, however, that even here they can help you report the whole situation, resolve it, or provide psychological support.)

There are several options for taking a sample, including a finger prick test, a vein test, and sometimes a saliva test. However, each sample is quick and minimally unpleasant. Tell your concerns, whatever they may be, to the experts who will explain everything to you step by step so that the whole process is as stress-free as possible.

Waiting for the result of the orientation test is about 15–20 minutes, while a laboratory test takes several days.

Result and explanation. There are two options:

– negative = HIV was not detected or a follow-up test is needed after some time

– positive = a confirmatory test and professional care follow

Important reminder: HIV is now a curable disease – early diagnosis is key. Testing is a responsibility not only to yourself but also to others.

Don't be afraid of testing! It's a smaller step than you think.