Should You Have the HIV Test?

This booklet talks about testing for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. If you should take the test to know if you have HIV, (sometimes called the AIDS test), answer these questions. Have you -- had sex without knowing for sure if the person or persons you had sex with do not have HIV? had sex with someone you know has HIV or AIDS? had a disease passed on by sex, like genital herpes or syphilis? (Having these diseases makes it easier to get HIV.) had sex with many men or women or had sex with someone who has had sex with many men or women? had sex with someone who has used needles to take drugs? shared needles or works to take drugs? If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions, you should think about having the HIV test.

How HIV Testing Can Help You

If tests show you don't have HIV, you can learn how to stay HIV-free. (Someone who does not have HIV is called HIV-negative.) If tests show you do have HIV, you can get medical care right away to help you: Stay healthy longer Avoid getting some illnesses caused by HIV Get early treatment for illnesses that do occur Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV--and testing is the first step to getting medical carconfirm the result. Test results come back to the clinic. A nurse or counselor tells you when to come in, what the results mean, and how to help yourself.

To Find Out More

To learn more about HIV and where to get the test in your city or town, call: 1-800-342-AIDS (1-800-342-2437) Your local health department People at these numbers can answer your questions about HIV. They can also send you booklets that have more information. REMEMBER: If the HIV test is positive, it will mean that you have the HIV virus that causes AIDS. It will mean you can get medical care and support services to help you if you need them.