Considering how well FAU ranked in the Trojan report, I wanted to personally put the university to the test. I went to the Today and Beyond Wellness Center to get tested for HIV. Because testing can be expensive and waiting for results can be overwhelming, FAU provides free HIV tests with different options for wait periods.
A person could have HIV for years with no real symptoms, so if you’ve had unprotected sex with anyone at any time, you could be at risk for HIV. There are nearly 100,000 HIV positive people living in Florida alone, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Thus, the FAU’s health clinic has a great responsibility to get as many people tested as possible.
The Hard PartSometimes the hardest step is the first one, and getting an HIV test is no exception. Do anything you can to convince yourself to go: bring a friend, say a prayer or even e-mail me if you have to. Most importantly, don’t back out.
When speaking with someone from the Today and Beyond Wellness Center, don’t be afraid to ask about the pros and cons of each test; the center offers three, and they’ll help you figure out which one is right for you.
The Uncomfortable PartBefore the actual test comes the most uncomfortable part of the process: the risk factor questions. The questions asked by the staff could make a porn star blush, but isn’t the time to be shy; it’s the time for honesty.
As for the test itself, the most popular is the oral swab test, which is the one I got. It’s completely painless and quick, with a minor taste of saltiness as the only side effect. Although the results are not as accurate, this is the best alternative if you don’t want a blood test, which is also offered at the center.
After scheduling a follow-up consultation, you are free to go home.
The Important PartOften times, students take an HIV test without going back for the results. Not wanting to know your status is understandable, but it could cost you big.
If the wait is just too much to handle, Rapid Result Testing – which has a 30-minute wait time – could be the best alternative. No matter how much of a chicken you are, you can’t get very far in thirty minutes.
Check out the online video of my HIV test and the follow up article after the results on upressonline.com
