The only way to know for sure is to get tested. You cannot tell if someone is HIV positive or negative by looking at them. A person who is HIV positive may look and feel fine and not even know they are infected. Knowing your status puts you in control and reduces the risk of passing HIV to your partner(s) or child.
Should I Get Tested?
Yes! The CDC says everyone 13 to 64 should get tested at least once a year if sexually active. Before you have sex with someone new, talk to your partner about your sex and drug use history, your status, and get tested for HIV together. The sooner you get tested, the sooner you can start treatment to manage if you’re positive and delay AIDS if you are.
Remember, no HIV test can detect the virus immediately after infection. If you think you’ve been infected with HIV, talk to your doctor or find Testing Locations near you.
Some testing sites offer confidential or anonymous testing. Either way, all your health info and test results are private.
Why Get Tested?
- No more wondering. Once you get tested, you’ll know for sure and can plan for the future based on your results.
- The sooner you get tested and treated, the healthier your body will be.
- Early diagnosis and treatment stop the spread of HIV.
- If you’re pregnant and HIV positive, early treatment reduces the chance of passing HIV to your child. Without treatment, HIV-positive women have a 1 in 4 chance of infecting their baby during pregnancy and delivery.
- You’re in control of your health and can tell others to get tested.
- Your doctor can check your immune system and prevent other diseases.
Stay informed, stay healthy, and take control of your HIV status by getting tested.
Source: CDC