Get Tested!

1. What is an HIV test and how does it work?
   Most HIV tests are designed to detect the antibodies that the body produces to fight HIV once infection has occurred, but do not test for the virus itself. It can take some time for the immune system to produce enough antibodies for these tests to be able to detect them, and this time period can vary from person to person. Most people will develop detectable antibodies within three months, but it can take longer, including up to six months in some cases. This time period is known as the "window period", when an individual may be infected with HIV, but may not yet test positive.
   
   There are several different types of approved HIV tests, including blood tests, oral fluid tests, and urine tests. Some tests, called rapid tests, can provide results within 20 minutes, or even less. The availability of HIV testing and these different kinds of tests will vary depending on where you live.
   
   
2. Will my health care provider test me for HIV as part of a routine physical?
   Many people assume that their health care provider will test them for HIV as a part of a routine physical. However, unless you ask, you can't be sure you are being tested.
   
   
3. Do all HIV tests involve drawing blood?
   There are several different types of approved HIV tests. Most require a blood sample while some newly developed ones use oral fluids, which is a simple swab inside your cheek. There are also urine tests, but these are not readily used or available.
   
   
4. How quickly will I get my test results?
   How quickly you get your results depends on the type of test you are given. Results from conventional blood, oral fluid and urine tests are generally available within a few days to two weeks, depending on the testing site. Rapid HIV tests can provide results in 20 minutes or less, but are not yet widely available.
   
   
5. Will my parents know if I get tested?
   Each country has its own laws and regulations regarding parental permission. Call your health care provider, clinic or AIDS hotline before you go for your test and ask if parental permission is required.
   
   
6. How much does it cost to get tested?
   Most government clinics offer free testing for HIV and other STIs. Prices at private health care facilities vary. Call ahead to confirm.
   
   
7. How does someone know if they are infected with HIV?
   The only way to know for sure is to get an HIV test. 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.
   
   
8. If I think I have been exposed to HIV, how soon should I get tested?
   Most HIV tests are designed to detect the antibodies that the body produced to fight HIV once infection has occurred, but do not test for the virus itself. It can take some time for the immune system to produce enough antibodies for these tests to be able to detect them, and this time period can vary person to person. Most people will develop antibodies within three months, but it can take longer, including up to six months in some cases. This time period is known as the "window period", when an individual may be infected with HIV, but may not yet test positive. HIV can be passed to other people during the window period. Therefore, it is important to get tested after this period has passed (about 6 months after you think you have been exposed to HIV).
   
   
9. Where can I get tested for HIV?
   HIV testing availability will vary depending on where you live. Some clinics can provide tests as can some private doctor’s offices. There may be HIV testing sites in your community and some health departments and organizations will sponsor HIV testing days, providing free testing to anyone who wants to be tested. Counseling, to help you understand test results and risk, may also be available. Get connected to your country’s National AIDS Commission, Health Department, or a community organization to find out where you can get tested for HIV.
   
   
10. What if I test positive for HIV?
    Being infected with HIV does not necessarily mean you have AIDS, the most advanced stage of HIV disease. 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 have unprotected sex or share needles. You can infect others even if you feel fine and have no symptoms of illness. It is important that you talk with your health care provider as soon as possible to discuss ways to keep yourself healthy and to reduce your risk of transmitting HIV to partners. Reducing risk is important even if you have already had a positive test, because it is possible to become infected with another STI with serious health consequences, or to become infected with an even more dangerous strain of HIV. And remember, if you are a woman who is living with HIV, you can pass the infection to your baby during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. Special medications are given at public clinics to help ensure that your baby is born healthy.
    
    If you are HIV positive, it is very important to get connected to a health care provider as soon as possible. Left untreated, HIV can cause serious health problems. And, advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS are occurring all the time—new medications are allowing people to live longer and healthier lives. Medical management and treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well. Here are some important steps to protect your health:
    a. See a health care provider, even if you don't feel sick. Consulting someone about your treatment options is the first step towards staying healthy.
    b. Find a support system. The emotional and physical challenges ahead can be difficult, and having people around to help is important. Ask your health care provider about counselors and support groups that can help you.
    c. Talk with your partner(s). Tell your sexual partner about your HIV status and make sure you reduce your risk of transmitting the virus by practicing safer sex, including using condoms, if you are having sex.
    
    
11. If I test HIV negative, does that mean that my partner is HIV negative also?
    No. Your HIV test result reveals only your HIV status. Your negative test result does not tell you whether your partner has HIV. Also, it is important that you make sure your test was done after the window period between possible exposure to HIV and the time it takes for the body to develop antibodies to HIV (which is what most tests look for). Most people will develop antibodies within three months, but it can take longer, including up to six months in some cases. HIV is not necessarily transmitted every time there is an exposure. Therefore, your taking an HIV test should not be seen as a method to find out if your partner is infected. Testing should never take the place of protecting yourself from HIV infection. If you are engaging in behavior that puts you at risk for exposure to HIV, it is important to reduce your risks.
    
    
12. How often should I get tested?
    If you are having unprotected sex (no condom) even with the same partner, you are at risk of getting HIV. If you, or your partner, are having sex with others, you are at even greater risk. If you are having unprotected sex you should be tested every six months.
    
    
13. Why should I get tested if I am feeling well?
    If you think you may have been at risk of HIV infection you should be tested as early as possible (within six weeks of your suspected exposure), because by the time you are not feeling well your immune system may already be significantly weakened. This will put you at risk of secondary infection like pneumonia and tuberculosis. Also if you do not begin anti- retroviral treatment soon enough it may not be effective in combating AIDS-related illness that could lead to your death.
    
    
14. If I am HIV-positive, when would I need anti-retroviral treatment?
    When you are diagnosed as HIV-positive, it is very important that you regularly report to your local medical facility so they can monitor your CD4 count (measure your white blood cells to get an indication of the state of your immune system). When your CD4 count falls below 200, you will be started on a course of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) – a combination of AIDS drugs. Once you start ART treatment you will likely be on treatment for the rest of your life and it is critical to the effectiveness of the treatment that you adhere closely to the directions given to you by your medical practitioner.
    
    Patients sometimes experience nasty side effects from ARTs, but these can usually be combated through adjusting the combination of AIDS drugs prescribed for you. It is important to remember that even if you are on ARTs and feeling healthy and vigorous, you are still HIV-positive and if you have sex, you must use a condom to avoid infecting your partner or getting re-infected yourself which could make you even more sick.