On World AIDS Day, the Ministry of Health reminds people about anonymous and free HIV testing. They can be performed at Consultation and Diagnostic Points throughout Poland. HIV infection can be symptomless for a long time. If it is detected, the development of AIDS can be effectively prevented.

HIV infection means that there is an acquired immunodeficiency (impairment) virus in the human body. The virus multiplies and destroys the infected person's immune system, which after a certain period of time ceases to protect the body from disease. HIV infection does not produce characteristic symptoms. If one does not take a diagnostic test one may not even know for 10-12 years that one has become infected. A person who does not know that he is living with HIV can get AIDS. He can also infect others.

Untreated HIV infection leads to the development of AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency (impairment) syndrome. AIDS is the final stage of untreated HIV infection. It is a syndrome of diseases affecting HIV-infected people. It includes various infections and types of cancer. AIDS occurs after many years of HIV infection in people who do not know about their infection. People who know about their infection are covered by modern antiretroviral therapy, which prevents the onset of AIDS. It's worth getting tested!

The test, free of charge, without a referral and anonymously, can be done at one of the consultation and diagnostic points (CTCs). Addresses and hours of operation of the points are available here.

When you examine yourself at the consultation and diagnostic center, you remain anonymous. You do not have to give your name or other data, nor do you have to present any documents. However, you must be an adult. At the HCP, you can talk to a counselor who will help you determine if you are indeed at risk of infection and need testing. The counselor will also answer questions about HIV and AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Source: aids.gov.pl