Do results reflect a partner's HIV status?

Hello LVCT,

I took a HIV test during World Aids Day and it turned HIV negative. I shared the results with my partner but he now says there is no need of him taking a test since my results have shown that we both don’t have the virus. Is it true or should he take a test as well?

Beca

Dear Beca,

I appreciate the brave step you took to know your status. That is commendable and I hope you will adopt the preventive measures that suit you.

Your HIV test result reveals only your HIV status only, and not that of someone else. Your negative test result does not indicate whether or not your partner has HIV. Taking a HIV test should not be seen as a method of finding out if your partner is infected. There are instances where one partner is HIV-negative and the other is HIV-positive (despite the fact that you may be having sex without using a condom).

You might want to discuss issues related to your partner’s HIV status. For instance, how does he feel without knowing his HIV status? In addition, what risk behaviours has he engaged in, both currently and in the past? Are there any fears your partner might be having? You will need to address them before you can think of taking a test together.

It is important to take steps to reduce your risk of getting HIV. If you are not sure that both of you are HIV negative then use latex condoms.

Remember, you have a responsibility to take care of your life!

Dear LVCT,

I was tested a month ago and could not believe that I was positive. So I left the VCT room without talking to the counsellor. Now I’m willing to move on with life. What happens after being tested HIV-positive?

Emmy

Dear Emmy,

Receiving HIV test results especially when it is positive is the most challenging moment in one’s life. Some people go through denial and so what you are going through is normal. However, being HIV-positive does not mean the end of life. There are people out there who are living positively. Being positive does not automatically mean that you have Aids. You test positive today you can actually live for a long time without getting to the Aids stage.

Once tested HIV-postive, there are various things you need to put into place or think about. The first step is to access a HIV care clinic. This will help you monitor your immune system and disease progression. This will also help understand whether you are ready to start taking drugs or your immune system is healthy and can stay for long without medication. Attending clinic will also help you get information to help you reduce behaviours that would put yourself and others at risk such as having unprotected sex.

Seeking medical attention helps to build a relationship with the care team at the clinic. If you and your partner are considering having a baby, you will receive information on available treatment that potentially prevents transmission of HIV to the baby. Hence accessing care and treatment is very important.

Talk to someone you trust. Share your status and assosicated fears with someone who can support you. By sharing, you will find that it becomes easier to move on with life because you have someone to always talk to. Again, when you start taking drugs, that person can be your treatment buddy to help you monitor your treatment progress.

Seek more information related to HIV management. The key to living with HIV is to learn as much about the virus as you can. By understanding the infection, you can take control of your life.