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What happens if I am infected with HIV?

Being infected with HIV does not necessarily mean you have AIDS. It does mean you will carry the virus in your body for the rest of your life. It also means you can infect other people if you do things - such as have unprotected sex - that can transmit HIV. You can infect others even if you feel fine and have no symptoms of illness. Perhaps more importantly, you can infect others when you don't know you carry HIV. It is important that you talk (see Talking Tips) with your health care provider to discuss ways to keep yourself healthy and to reduce your risk of transmitting HIV to partners.