The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested via an HIV Screening today. You could have HIV and still feel healthy.
How often do I need to get an HIV Screening? Everyone ages 15 to 65 needs to get tested for HIV at least once. All pregnant women also need to get tested. How often you need to get tested depends on your risk for HIV infection. Talk to your doctor or nurse about your risk for HIV. Ask how often you need to get tested.
Get an HIV Screening at least once a year if you:
If you are a man who has sex with men, you may need to get tested more than once a year – like every 3 to 6 months.
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This is the virus that causes AIDS. There is no cure yet for HIV/AIDS, but there are treatments that can help people live longer healthier lives.
HIV is spread through some of the body’s fluids, like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. HIV is passed from one person to another by:
Why do I need to get tested for HIV?
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Many people with HIV don’t have any symptoms. Even if you don’t feel sick, getting early treatment for HIV is important.
Live longer with HIV. If you have HIV, early treatment can help you live a longer, healthier life. The sooner you get to care for HIV, the better.
Protect yourself and others. If you have HIV, you can take steps to protect your partner from the virus. If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, you can get treatment to prevent passing HIV to your baby.
There are different types of HIV tests. The most common are:
If you test positive, the doctor or nurse will give you a second HIV test to be sure.
What’s the difference between confidential and anonymous testing?
When you get tested at a doctor’s office or clinic, your test results are confidential. This means they can only be shared with people allowed to see your medical records.
Ask your doctor or nurse for an HIV test. Or visit an HIV testing center or health clinic.
To find an HIV testing center near you:
Call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).
Free HIV testing is available at some testing centers and health clinics. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, insurance plans must cover HIV testing. To learn about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.
Here are other steps you can take to help prevent HIV:
Immunization vaccines for adults — doses, recommended ages, and recommended populations vary: