So a few weeks ago I had to get tested for HIV and so this week I decided to write about it. I went to a place called Miracle of Love that is located in downtown Orlando. My first attempt to get tested ended badly. My GPS tried to sabotage me and ended up taking me in the complete wrong direction. I ended up driving around Orlando for almost two hours and by the time I finally found the right place, they were closed. Just my luck! So my first experience with getting tested had already start badly. The next day I went back (this time I knew exactly where to go), and was very apprehensive about it. I wasn't worried about the results that I would get, but just being in the office waiting for my turn to get tested I felt kind of dirty. I am not trying to be offensive to anyone, but for some reason when I was in there, I felt like the employees there were judging me. I thought that they thought I was some sort of bad person who did bad things so that I needed to be tested. This was COMPLETELY false. As soon as I met the person who administered my test, I felt so comfortable. She was so nonjudgemental that it make me relax immediately. The test was so easy! No blood drawn or anything! I just had to swab the insides of my mouth. I am definitely glad that I took the test.
Also, I have been continuing my research on HIV and children. This week I learned that HIV can be transferred to children through breastfeeding. This occurs in approximatley 10-14% of mothers who have chronic HIV. I also found that in many developing countries, around one third of all HIV transmissions are caused by breastfeeding. I found all of this information from the National Institute of Allergy and Infection Diseases. http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/hivchildren.htm
Also, I looked into HIV confidentiality laws in another country. The country I chose to research was Ireland. I found that in 1969, Northern Ireland put in place a Census Act that is used to protect all of its citizens and to ensure confidentiality. Information is only used for statistical uses only. They take confidentiality very seriously and it is a criminal defense to breach their confidentialty agreement. http://www.nisranew.nisra.gov.uk/CENSUS/data-confidentiality-security.htm
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Sara I felt the same way when I once went to go get tested. I felt like I was being judged and I think that stemmed from my nervousness about being tested. Once I met the person who was giving the test I was way more at ease then when I had walked in.
ReplyDeleteFor the HIV confidentiality laws in another country, I found the same results as you even though I did a different country. I chose the Philippines and they had a similar act that ensured confidentiality. It's interesting that two extremely different cultures have the same thoughts regarding HIV confidentiality.
I'm glad I wasn't the only one to feel that way in the testing office. As you said, there is just a feeling of "dirty" that comes across you as you sit there waiting. People look at you strange, as if to say "what is wrong with this guy?". I'm glad I took my test, but I'm also glad its over. The only person that made the experience enjoyable was my counselor, which was very nice.
ReplyDeleteThe confidentiality laws in Ireland sound much like the laws of America and my country of choice South Africa. Overall, I believe most countries believe that confidentiality is important when it comes to a situation like this and it is a criminal act to disclose any personal information.
ReplyDeleteAs far as being tested myself, I felt very odd. I felt as though everyone in the clinic knew the reason I was there. I felt I was being watched and judged the whole time. I'm really glad that I did take the test, but it was not a very pleasurable memory.
I felt the same way when I was getting my OraSure test. I thought they would judge me right away from the personal questions they were asking. I thought they would think I was some kind of crazy sex addict just because I was getting an HIV test. She was so professional and made the whole experience a surprising enjoyable one. I had no idea it would be as fast as it was either.
ReplyDeleteIm glad it is a criminal offense to disclose information in Ireland, I would hate for my test results to fall into the wrong hands if i was HIV positive!
Unfortunately, in developing countries where formula isn't as available, women with HIV must breast feed and hope for the best. If they are on antiretrovirals, it could suppress the virus to levels that wouldn 't be transferred in breast milk. They are kinda put between a rock and a hard place. Don't feed the child and have it starve to death or feed it and give it HIV.
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