Did you know that as early as 15 years old, a kid can already test positive for HIV?
Let that sink in.
I’m a mother. I pack lunches, remind my kids to drink their vitamins, and panic over fever spikes. I thought I had the big threats figured out—dengue, COVID, even screen time addiction. But HIV? At 14? That was never on my radar. Until now.
The Wake-Up Moment
I attended a health forum recently, where I learned something that shook me: more than 50 Filipinos are diagnosed with HIV every day, and a growing number of them are teens. Yes, teenagers. Not adults living recklessly, not a world away—but kids, close to home.
And suddenly, I couldn’t stop thinking about my grandson. He's 13, tall for his age, already asking about dating. My grand daughter? Eleven, but curious about everything. I realized I had a choice—to shy away from the tough talks, or step up before it’s too late.
HIV Self-Testing: The New Reality
One of the biggest developments I learned about was the Mylan HIV Self Test. It’s a small kit you can use at home, discreetly, with results in 15 minutes. No awkward clinics, no judgment. Just you, your child (if they’re ready), and knowledge that could save a life.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I'm not saying hand it to your kids like a snack pack. But what if one day, they want to know? What if they’re scared to ask? What if they think they’ve done something risky and don’t know where to turn?
That’s where the power of access and open communication comes in.
Real Talk, Not Shame Talk
Let’s be honest, in many Filipino households, sex is a secret, and HIV is something whispered about—if it’s ever mentioned at all. But silence doesn’t protect our children. Education does. Empathy does.
I’m choosing to raise my kids with the facts, not fear.
I tell them: “Your body is yours, and your health is sacred.”
I remind them: “If you’re ever unsure, I’m here. We’ll figure it out together.”
And now, thanks to KonsultaMD, I also know they can talk to a doctor anytime. No need to book appointments or brave hospital queues. Just open the app and talk. Ask anything—from how HIV is transmitted, to what to do if you think you’ve been exposed. No shame. Just help.
🛒 Where Can You Get the Kit?
The Mylan HIV Self Test is now available at Southstar Drugstores and through other partner providers. If your teen is of age and wants to know their status in private, this kit makes it possible—accurate, affordable, and anonymous.
And when you’re ready for next steps, KonsultaMD is there, with licensed doctors who understand, listen, and guide.
As a Mom, Here’s What I Know:
I may not be able to protect my kids from everything. But I can give them the tools to protect themselves.
I can create a home where hard questions are welcomed, not punished.
I can choose to inform, not ignore.
Because HIV doesn’t wait until adulthood.
It doesn’t check your report card or care if your curfew is 8 PM.
But we, as parents, can be smarter. We can talk, listen, test, support.
We can be the difference between fear and early intervention.
Between silence and survival.
If you’re reading this and feeling a bit panicked like I was—good. It means you care. Start the conversation. Ask the questions. Protect your kids with knowledge, love, and access.
And maybe one day, they’ll thank you for being brave enough to have “that talk.”