GET TESTED

How does someone know if they are infected with HIV?

The HIV-antibody test is the only way to tell if you are infected. You cannot tell by looking at someone if he or she is infected with HIV. Someone can look and feel perfectly healthy and still be infected. In fact, an estimated one-fourth of those in the United States who are HIV positive do not know it. Neither do their sex partners.

The HIV-antibody test detects the presences of antibodies, which are developed after HIV enters the bloodstream and begins to attack certain white blood cells called T4 lymphocyte cells (helper cells). The immune system produces antibodies to fight off the infection..