Get Tested
About 1 in 4 Americans with HIV do not know they are infected. You may be nervous about getting tested, especially the first time. This is understandable, but think about this: The tests don't take much time, and at some clinics they are free or can be paid for on a sliding scale based on your income. There are several kinds of HIV tests available in the U.S., including rapid tests, which can provide results in as little as 20 minutes.
Remember, it is important to get tested and know your status. If you are HIV-negative, the surest way to avoid transmission of HIV is to abstain from sexual intercourse. But, if you are sexually active, you should practice safer sex with latex condoms and/or dental dams. If you are HIV positive, it is very important to get connected to a health care provider who is knowledgeable about treating HIV disease. It is also important for you to talk with your sexual partners and health care provider about how to reduce the risk of transmission, including using latex condoms or dental dams.
- What is an HIV test?
- Will my health care provider test me for HIV as part of a routine physical?
- Do all HIV tests involve drawing blood?
- How quickly will I get my test results?
- Will my parents know if I get tested?
- How much does it cost to get tested?
- How does someone know if they are infected with HIV?
- If I think I have been exposed to HIV, how soon can I get tested?
- Where can I get tested for HIV?
- What if I test positive for HIV?
- If I test HIV negative, does that mean that my partner is HIV negative also?
- What happens if I am infected with HIV?
