Testing for HIV is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV. It's normal to feel worried about HIV. But testing for HIV can put your mind at ease and reduce the anxiety of not knowing.
Many people do not have any symptoms and can live for many years without knowing they have the virus. But being diagnosed early means you can start treatment, which will help you live a long and healthy life.
Getting tested for HIV is quick, easy, painless, confidential, and almost always free. Test for HIV regularly to keep yourself and your partners healthy.
You should get tested if you:
Even if you think you probably don’t have HIV, the quickest way to stop worrying is by taking a test.
HIV doesn’t only affect certain groups of people. So, if you have sex, test regularly for HIV, even if you use condoms and don’t think you have been at risk.
HIV test results only apply to the person who took the test. You and your partner may have different HIV statuses, even if you have been having sex without a condom. It’s important you both get tested. It’s good practice to get tested at the start of a new relationship.
If you’re negative, you can get more information on how to stay that way. If you’re positive you can start treatment to make sure that you stay healthy.
Knowing your status means that you can look after the sexual health of your partners too. You can take steps to stop passing on HIV if either of you are positive.
Lots of people feel scared like you. But knowing if you have HIV or don’t is better than not knowing at all because you can then take action to stay healthy. The healthcare provider will talk you through the test to help reduce your fears.
The results of your HIV test will be private between you and your healthcare provider. Nobody will know unless you tell them.
People may not test for HIV because:
If you need to explain to someone why it is important to test for HIV, consider each point below.
If someone doesn’t think they have been at risk of HIV
If someone is scared of the test procedure
If someone fears knowing their test results
If someone is worried about stigma if they test positive
If someone is worried about dying if they test positive
You should get tested if you:
Even if you think you probably don’t have HIV, the quickest way to stop worrying is by taking a test.
HIV doesn’t only affect certain groups of people. So, if you have sex, test regularly for HIV, even if you use condoms and don’t think you have been at risk.
HIV test results only apply to the person who took the test. You and your partner may have different HIV statuses, even if you have been having sex without a condom. It’s important you both get tested. It’s good practice to get tested at the start of a new relationship.
If you’re negative, you can get more information on how to stay that way. If you’re positive you can start treatment to make sure that you stay healthy.
Knowing your status means that you can look after the sexual health of your partners too. You can take steps to stop passing on HIV if either of you are positive.
Lots of people feel scared like you. But knowing if you have HIV or don’t is better than not knowing at all because you can then take action to stay healthy. The healthcare provider will talk you through the test to help reduce your fears.
The results of your HIV test will be private between you and your healthcare provider. Nobody will know unless you tell them.
People may not test for HIV because:
If you need to explain to someone why it is important to test for HIV, consider each point below.
If someone doesn’t think they have been at risk of HIV
If someone is scared of the test procedure
If someone fears knowing their test results
If someone is worried about stigma if they test positive
If someone is worried about dying if they test positive
