<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>HIV Blog - AIDS Help and Advice &#187; General</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.hivindex.com/blog/category/general/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.hivindex.com/blog</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:38:14 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>The Importance of Seeking HIV Support</title>
		<link>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/the-importance-of-seeking-hiv-support/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/the-importance-of-seeking-hiv-support/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:21:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alan Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HIV Support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hivindex.com/blog/the-importance-of-seeking-hiv-support/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are times when all of us need a little support and understanding. For those living with AIDS or HIV this is equally true. However real HIV support and true understanding for what you are going through, can only come from those who are in a similar position themselves. However it is obvious to say [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<p><script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "180101";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>There are times when all of us need a little support and understanding. For those living with AIDS or HIV this is equally true. However real HIV<br />
support and true understanding for what you are going through, can only come from those who are in a similar position themselves.</p>
<p>However it is obvious to say that even people who have the same condition as you will not entirely be able to understand your experiences. For we are all unique and experience the world differently, what bothers one person another laughs at. However having someone who truly does know the ins, outs, lows and pain of your condition because they have been there, can be incredibly uplifting. This is why HIV support from those who truly understand can help you through the more difficult times.</p>
<p>Many people do not open up about their AIDS or HIV status. Obviously they have their health care professionals, psychologists and counsellors which means that they receive some AIDS or HIV support, but they do not tell others around them who are outside of the health treatment service, about their condition and its effects.</p>
<p>However by joining a HIV support group either locally or online and opening up and talking to others about your condition, you will find that your life can begin a series of changes. The emotional support and sense of unity and belonging that a HIV support group can offer will definitely help eradicate the isolation that these illnesses can bring. Also support can help both AIDS and HIV positive individuals to cope better with their illness in general and provide important psychosocial support.</p>
<p>For those who are rather shy, or who find it difficult to talk about their condition an online AIDS or HIV support group is a great alternative. Here you can chat to others in the comfort and safety of your own home, and make new friends with others.</p>
<p>By connecting with others who have the disease themselves you can gain new insights into many aspects of treatment. A lot of HIV support<br />
groups also advertise that they are dating sites so this can be an added bonus. Also you will quickly discover these individuals talk about all manner of things and do not let their AIDS or HIV condition deter them from living life to its fullest.</p>
<p>This is an important point. For virtually everyone has some sort of cross to bear, people strive on with incurable and devastating cancers, violent lives, diabolical living conditions and numerous other atrocities. But what makes life bearable is other people, family, friends other people in<br />
general.</p>
<p>So do not just look towards your doctor or health care professionals. Reach out and make connections with others. Support of any kind can<br />
sometimes come from the least obvious source. But you will never know until you start to alter your thinking and begin conversing.</p>
<p>Being infected with AIDS or HIV affects all aspects of your life as well as the life&#8217;s of those around you. But you must move forward at all times, striving to live life to the max. AIDS or HIV does not mean the end of everything. By making sure you get the right type of HIV support, love and encouragement you can take control of your condition instead of allowing it to control you.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/the-importance-of-seeking-hiv-support/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>A Vital Part of HIV Nutrition</title>
		<link>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/a-vital-part-of-hiv-nutrition/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/a-vital-part-of-hiv-nutrition/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:17:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Johnson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AIDS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HIV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vitamin]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hivindex.com/blog/?p=38</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Highlight of that specific aimed should be emphasized on Vitamins for HIV. This is fundamental to help people with HIV to improve and perk up their general health and help them cope with the side effects of their treatment and rehabilitation. HIV patients often lack specific vitamins including Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, E, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "180101";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>Highlight of that specific aimed should be emphasized on Vitamins for HIV. This is fundamental to help people with HIV to improve and perk up their general health and help them cope with the side effects of their treatment and rehabilitation. HIV patients often lack specific vitamins including Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, E, and folate. Vitamins A, B, and E are effective in strengthening the immune system of a person, which is very much vital for HIV patients because a strong immune system can resist the development of further complication and infection.</p>
<p>Foods rich in Vitamin B1 include meat, liver, nuts and grains; while beans, vegetable and banana are rich in Vitamin B6. Eating soy products will provide supply of Vitamin B12. It is a common knowledge that citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables are loaded with Vitamin C. This is one of the most essential vitamins for HIV patients because of the well-known antioxidant accomplishment of Ascorbic Acid. It is effective in clearing out cell and tissue-damaging particles. Research has shown that HIV-positive individuals are most likely Vitamin B12 deficient. As such, their bodies become more prone to infections. Vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to fatigue, neuropathy, depression, rashes, and anemia. On the other hand, taking an increased dosage of Vitamin B12 helps in the inhibition of lymphocytes and monocytes.</p>
<p>Vitamin A and its food form, Beta-carotene help in boosting the formation of helpful body chemicals that fights off the ill effects of HIV. Therefore, people that are HIV-positive should make it a point to take increased dosage of Beta-carotene or Vitamin A. However, there are studies showing that certain HIV-positive patients produce some negative effects when subjected to high dosage of Vitamin A. Therefore, it is important that patients consult with their doctors first so that the actual benefits of Vitamin A are assessed right on. HIV is a condition that affects the entire body of a person. And since it attacks the body&#8217;s immune system and doesn&#8217;t have a cure yet, doctors have decided that aggressive nutrition is what&#8217;s required. HIV-positive patients are required to take in substantial vitamins and minerals in their body to help in the fight against the ill effects of AIDS.</p>
<p>Vitamins should only be taken in recommended dosages especially vitamins in pharmaceutical form like pill or syrup and not from natural sources. Vitamin deficiencies in HIV patients put them at a greater risk of HIV disease advancing to AIDS and later on become more intense which may lead them to death. Because of this, it has been emphasized that requirements of vitamins for HIV patients should be higher than the average requirement for normal and healthy persons. Vitamin supplements can make up for deficiencies in vitamins of HIV patients. Intake of multivitamin supplements can provide positive effects in the condition of people living with HIV.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/a-vital-part-of-hiv-nutrition/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>All About Health AIDS</title>
		<link>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/all-about-health-aids/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/all-about-health-aids/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:40:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alan Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AIDS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Drugstore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healthy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hivindex.com/blog/?p=36</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Generally, people use these health AIDS for healthy lifestyle. If you are looking for a health AID product to use in your home, then massaging heating pad is one of the best home health AIDS products. This luxurious heating pad includes an in-built massager with two levels of intensity for custom. The heat and massage [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "180101";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>Generally, people use these health AIDS for healthy lifestyle. If you are looking for a health AID product to use in your home, then massaging heating pad is one of the best home health AIDS products. This luxurious heating pad includes an in-built massager with two levels of intensity for custom. The heat and massage functions included in this pad can be used to improve relaxation, ease pain as well as to relax muscles. The most important feature of this product is that it is comfortable and lightweight, so small children in your home can it easily. There are a number of benefits of home health AIDS products. The most significant benefit is that all the family members can use the product whenever they get time. If you want to enhance your physical beauty, then you should try some beauty health AIDS. Nowadays cast and Bandage protectors are one of the best beauty health AIDS available on the counter. It can be used as first aid supplies for improving your physical look and beauty.</p>
<p>The health AIDS for disabled includes doing hearing AIDS assessment, providing rehabilitation therapy, and providing hearing AIDS accessories. If you go to a drugstore, you will find a wide range of hearing AIDS accessories on the counter. If you have some problem in one of your legs and are unable to walk, then you can try walking health AIDS available on the counter. A list of personal mobility and walking health AIDS can include walking sticks, wheelchairs, crutches, Zimmer frames, and other walking AIDS. Some NGOs also provide walking health AIDS on loan. </p>
<p>However, these organizations do not take charge for equipments; they just request you to pay a returnable deposit. If you want a walking health aid for a long-term use, then you can discuss about it with a professional therapist. Several other health AIDS for disabled include elastic stockings, urinary catheters, continence pads, hearing and vision AIDS, communication AIDS, and artificial limbs and surgical appliances. Keeping first aid kit in your home is one of the best home health AIDS that you can do. This kit can be a perfect kit for minor first aid conditions. The kit contains various aid items, so that you can clean, cure and protect wounds on your body. In this way, you can get a number of health AIDS products in the drugstore.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/all-about-health-aids/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Missed Doctors&#8217; Visits And Increased HIV/AIDS Mortality Rates</title>
		<link>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/missed-doctors-visits-and-increased-hivaids-mortality-rates/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/missed-doctors-visits-and-increased-hivaids-mortality-rates/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2009 08:36:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Linda Greens</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Doctors' Visits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HIV/AIDS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortality Rates]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hivindex.com/blog/?p=31</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When beginning any course of treatment for a chronic yet manageable disease such as HIV and AIDS it is important for one to follow their HIV specialists advice, maintain a regular schedule of appointments, and strictly adhere to the pharmaceutical treatment regimen. These three practices establish early on a life-time of disciplines that one will [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "180101";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>When beginning any course of treatment for a chronic yet manageable disease such as HIV and AIDS it is important for one to follow their HIV specialists advice, maintain a regular schedule of appointments, and strictly adhere to the pharmaceutical treatment regimen. These three practices establish early on a life-time of disciplines that one will require to effectively manage living with the HIV/AIDS virus. If ever there was doubt as to the importance of regular visits with one&#8217;s HIV/AIDS health care practitioner, those doubts can now be put to bed. A study has recently surfaced which has identified a causal link between missed doctors&#8217; visits, and an increased mortality rate.</p>
<p>This analysis focused retrospectively within a group of HIV clinical patients who had established their initial outpatient treatment for HIV infection at the University of Alabama HIV/AIDS Clinic. All of the 543 study participants were evaluated between 2000 through to 2005. Patients who missed visits within the first year after initiating outpatient treatment were shown to have twice the rate of long-term mortality when compared with those patients who maintained regular visits, and attended all of their regularly scheduled appointments.</p>
<p>The results of the analysis showed that among those 543 HIV patients participating in the study, 60% of them missed a visit within the first year. The mortality rate in those patients who missed visits within the first year was 2.3 deaths per 100 person years. In contrast, the mortality rate for those who attended all scheduled visits and appointments with their HIV/AIDS practitioner was 1 death per 100 person years. Other factors such as age, overall health, and CD4 counts were all taken into account when comparing the risk factors and determining the overall mortality rate.</p>
<p>One thing is clear when reading the results of the study, and that is that mortality rates increase when skipping or missing regularly scheduled appointments. However, it is worthwhile to note the study&#8217;s authors posit that the nearly doubling rate of mortality is not a direct consequence of missing those appointments, but rather, are identifiers of those HIV patients who are more likely to exhibit behaviors which can lead to increased mortality earlier in life.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/missed-doctors-visits-and-increased-hivaids-mortality-rates/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Ancient Remedy for Yeast Infections</title>
		<link>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/ancient-remedy-for-yeast-infections/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/ancient-remedy-for-yeast-infections/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:35:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Fred Peters</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ancient Remedy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Remedy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yeast Infections]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hivindex.com/blog/?p=24</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Avoiding a yeast infection is about controlling the environment around the body so that it is able to stay dry. Avoid douching and using feminine products like wipes or sprays. Avoid bubble baths and soaking in soapy water as it can alter the ph in the vagina. If you wear tight clothes with nylon pantyhose [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "180101";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>Avoiding a yeast infection is about controlling the environment around the body so that it is able to stay dry. Avoid douching and using feminine products like wipes or sprays. Avoid bubble baths and soaking in soapy water as it can alter the ph in the vagina. If you wear tight clothes with nylon pantyhose or other similar non-breathable materials, try alternating them with loose fitting clothing and cotton underwear. Cotton is a more breathable fabric and will allow the body to stay drier. If you go swimming or participate in strenuous activities that involve heavy perspiration, it is important to change into dry clothes as soon as possible. During sexual intercourse, use a condom for extra protection and also to avoid spreading a yeast infection to your partner.</p>
<p>Yeast infections usually are treated with medicine that you put into your vagina. This medicine may be a cream or a suppository that you put into your vagina with a special applicator. Medicine in a cream form also can be put on your vulva to help stop the itching. Medicine in a pill form that you take by mouth is also available. However, natural treatments without the use of medications are much more effective and provide a permanent cure.</p>
<p>Diet is important in the treatment of the disease. Changing your diet alone can be of great help to completely get rid of the candida infection. Also, Do not just take any antibiotic without any prescription from a doctor. Antibiotics and cortisone-type prescriptions should not be taken as possible, as some of these drugs are harmful and can increase the growth of these microorganisms.</p>
<p>There are many treatments available, including antifungal creams and prescription pills from physicians. However, the best and most effective treatments are simple home remedies that have a long-lasting effect, with no side effects. In fact, these remedies not only cure the infection, they can also be taken daily to prevent infection. This is unlike the antifungal medication, which can only be taken during an infection due to the fact that the medication can lose effectiveness if taken regularly.</p>
<p>Thrush, also known as Candidiasis, is a fungus found in the mouth, genitalia areas, digestive tract and skin. In healthy people, the production of friendly bacteria in the system prevents the fungus from causing disease. However, weakened or damaged immune systems may result in the dangerous growth of the ailment-causing fungus. In addition, certain prescription drugs may offset the balance of natural organisms in the body. Such drugs include the extended use of: antibiotics, chemotherapy, AIDS/HIV treatments, antihistamines, steroids and oral contraceptives with a high estrogen content.</p>
<p>One thing that is rarely taken into account on lasting yeast infections is the fact that yeast is significantly influenced by the vaginas natural monthly fluctuating acid base (PH balance). The pH balance changes with monthly hormonal rhythms. Most</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/ancient-remedy-for-yeast-infections/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Aids And Women</title>
		<link>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/aids-and-women/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/aids-and-women/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:25:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kathy Austin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AIDS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HIV Infection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Women]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hivindex.com/blog/?p=22</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Although most of the signs and symptoms of HIV infection are similar in men and women, some are more specific to females. Vaginal yeast infections may be chronic, more severe, and difficult to treat in women with HIV infection than in women who are uninfected. Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the female reproductive organs, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "180101";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>Although most of the signs and symptoms of HIV infection are similar in men and women, some are more specific to females. Vaginal yeast infections may be chronic, more severe, and difficult to treat in women with HIV infection than in women who are uninfected. Pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the female reproductive organs, may also be more frequent and severe in women with HIV infection. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which cause genital warts, may occur more frequently in HIV-infected women, and can lead to pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix or cancer of the cervix. Taking anti-HIV drugs during pregnancy—either a drug called zidovudine or AZT only or in combination with new drugs called extremely involved antiretroviral therapy (HAART)—a mother can significantly cut the chances that her infant will have infected with HIV. Delivering the infant by cesarean part, and doing then before the mother’s uterine membranes tear naturally, reduces infection that may happen during the birth procedure. Use of anti-HIV drugs during pregnancy and saving, combined with a cesarean part in women with sure levels of HIV in their blood, can cut the opportunity that the infant will be infected to little than 2 percentage. Avoidance of breastfeeding by a HIV-infected mother. HIV can be scatter to babies through the bosom milk of mothers infected with the virus. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that, in countries such as the United States, where infant formula is secure and is frequently accessible and cheap, HIV-infected women eat their infants commercially accessible formula instead of breastfeeding.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/aids-and-women/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>All About HIV Testing, Common Myths And How It Works</title>
		<link>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/all-about-hiv-testing-common-myths-and-how-it-works/</link>
		<comments>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/all-about-hiv-testing-common-myths-and-how-it-works/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:19:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tera Warner</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HIV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HIV Detection Kit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HIV Testing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.hivindex.com/blog/?p=21</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you contract HIV, a special protein is produced called an antibody. Antibodies work to fight the invaders—the HIV virus—and are only present in the body if you have HIV. Each virus causes the body to produce a specific type of antibody—one that is tailored to fight that virus. If you have HIV antibodies then [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div style="float:right;margin: 0 0 0 12px;" >
<script type="text/javascript"><!--
google_ad_client = "pub-1420798661618895";
google_ad_width = 300;
google_ad_height = 250;
google_ad_format = "300x250_as";
google_ad_type = "text";
google_ad_channel ="5768059693";
google_color_border = "FFFFFF";
google_color_bg = "FFFFFF";
google_color_link = "180101";
google_color_text = "000000";
google_color_url = "990000";
//--></script><br />
          <script type="text/javascript"
  src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
</script></div>
<p>When you contract HIV, a special protein is produced called an antibody. Antibodies work to fight the invaders—the HIV virus—and are only present in the body if you have HIV. Each virus causes the body to produce a specific type of antibody—one that is tailored to fight that virus. If you have HIV antibodies then you have HIV. It can take up to three months for HIV antibodies to appear in the blood. Having an HIV test done before this can produce a false-negative result. For some people, the HIV antibodies do not appear until six months after infection. A follow-up test after six months is recommended just in case. The HIV antigen test can be used earlier than the antibody test but it may not be as accurate. It works by detecting a substance called P24, a protein that is produced by the HIV virus itself. When a germ or virus enters the body, it carries with it an antigen, in this case, protein P24. As HIV “settles in” the body, an abundance of P24 is present and causes the production of antibodies to start. This means that this antigen is present before antibodies and once the antibodies begin to develop, the less likely a positive result can be obtained from an antigen test. It is all about timing, really. A DNA or RNA test can be conducted within a week of suspected infection. This is because it goes so far as to detect the genetic material of HIV. They are usually used in babies born to an HIV positive mother. Babies in this situation do not respond well to the antibody or antigen tests as they will have their mother’s antibodies for quite sometime after birth. The DNA or RNA test, also called a Polymerase Chain Reaction test, can be sure to get results right away. You can go to a testing facility and have these tests done or purchase an at-home HIV detection kit. Either way, you will be doing yourself and those in your life a favor by being responsible and knowing for sure if you have this disease or not.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.hivindex.com/blog/all-about-hiv-testing-common-myths-and-how-it-works/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
