It All Starts with Awareness: Importance of HIV Testing
Dec. 1, 2023 is World AIDS Day, an international observance to raise awareness and recognize those affected by the Human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and unite shared experiences.
“1 in 8 people in the United States do not realize they have HIV,” said Becky Shaw, nurse practitioner with infectious diseases at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS).
Compared to previous decades, HIV infections have decreased and stabilized thanks to advancing treatment and awareness. However, the infection still affects the general population. Over 30,000 new HIV infections occur every year, according to the HIV National Strategic Plan.
At Department of Veterans Affairs, there are over 31,000 Veterans in the system who are treated for HIV. According to the Tennessee Department of Health in 2021, over 19,000 Tennessee residents live with HIV. Because HIV affects Veterans and Tennesseans, TVHS advocates for frequent HIV testing to ensure proper treatment and management.
“It all starts with awareness and testing,” Shaw said.
At VA, it is a requirement from VA Directive 1304 that every Veteran be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. With this, VA leads the country in HIV screening, testing, treatment, research and prevention. However, Shaw advocates that everyone should test frequently based on risk factors since HIV can be acquired at any point in life and is often asymptomatic.
“The importance of getting tested is paramount, as you can imagine,” Shaw said. “We recommend speaking with your primary care provider and if you are not comfortable talking to them, call us here at infectious disease; we will arrange for testing and counseling.”
VA uses a blood test for HIV. The test is extremely accurate and confirmatory tests are performed following the initial detection of HIV, Shaw said.
HIV is an inflammatory disease that can affect other chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease. That is why an HIV diagnosis is important in the treatment and management of other chronic diseases. At TVHS, departments and doctors of different specialties work together with Veterans to provide the best treatments and care for their respective diseases.
TVHS has an infectious disease program at both the Nashville and Alvin C. York campuses. With board-certified infectious disease physicians, nurse practitioners, and fellows, the hospitals offer full-service, HIV treatment, testing and prevention.
HIV is a viral infection that compromises the immune system and is very treatable, Shaw said. HIV treatment has advanced and now can be effectively treated with one pill a day called Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
PrEP is a medicine that reduces the chance of contracting HIV. The drug is considered highly effective, according to the CDC. There are now no requirements to request PrEP. Veterans will receive PrEP if they want and request it, Shaw said.
Although HIV has become manageable and undetectable over the years, there is still a stigma surrounding the infection. However, the virus is no different than other chronic diseases, and people can live normal, long, and healthy lives with HIV, Shaw said.
“There's no one who should ever feel ashamed if they have this virus,” Shaw said. “TVHS Infectious Disease is here to help all our Veterans navigate prevention, testing, and treatment of HIV in a judgement-free environment. We can be reached by calling 615-873-8670.”
For more information about HIV at VA, visit HIV Home (va.gov).