Save a Life
- There is no cure for HIV and AIDS, but HIV is a treatable, chronic disease. Getting tested and learning your diagnosis could save your life by helping you find appropriate medical treatment.
Be a Lover
- If you have HIV and don't know it, you could be putting your sexual partner(s) at risk. Be responsible. Know your diagnosis.
Peace of Mind
- One reason HIV spreads so quickly is because, for months, even years, someone may seem healthy and not know he or she has HIV. The only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested.
Set an Example
- It is very important that stigma against people with HIV and AIDS stops. If people are scared to talk about, be tested for, or admit they have HIV, the infection will keep spreading. You can be a role model by getting tested regularly.
Taking the Test
By taking an HIV test you can find out if you have the HIV virus in your body. You don't have to wonder or guess. You can rid yourself of your fears. So be bold and take the necessary steps to improve your health.
Step 1. Make the call and set up an appointment. Contact your church, local healthcare clinic, public healthcare department, or HIV/AIDS agency and find out where and when you can take the test.
Step 2. Talk to a counselor. When you take your test there will be a counselor available for you to talk to about your fears and concerns. So don't be afraid to speak up or to reveal your true sexual history. You will be in a private, completely confidential setting and he or she will be able to tell you all about taking the test and will answer any questions you may have. The counselor is there to help you, not to judge you.
Step 3. Go back for your results. Don't let fear prevent you from finding out whether or not you have HIV. It can take as little as a few minutes, or a few days, to find out your results so hang in there and follow-up.
Step 4. Learn about HIV. If you test positive, find out how you can learn to live with HIV and prevent spreading the virus to others. If you test negative, learn how you can stay that way and prevent getting the virus.
CDC HIV Testing Hotline: 800-342-2437 // 800-243-7889 (TTY)
National HIV and STD Testing Resources: www.hivtest.org
HIV Testing
