Testing for HIV

HIV testing typically involves a simple blood or oral fluid test.

Rapid tests: These tests provide results within minutes and are often offered at community health centers, pharmacies, and even some home settings.

Standard blood tests: These tests require a blood sample drawn from a vein and are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results usually take a few days.

Locations to get tested can be found by using the CDC’s HIV Test Locator.

Testing Positive


 okay. A follow up test will be done to verify the diagnosis. You should make an appointment to see a health care provider to stay healthy and possibly begin treatments. Be sure to get tested for STIs and take measures to prevent them.

Talk to your healthcare provider or look into a Tuberculosis test and a Hepatitis C test. Discuss the use of cigarettes, the impact of drinking and the use of illegal drugs after testing positive. Be aware of possible risks for you and your partner as well.

For any other frequently asked questions please visit the CDC website.

Understanding Risk

The most common way for HIV to be transmitted is through sexual contact, but infected mothers are able to pass it on to their children. Avoid transmission of blood, semen or vaginal fluid of sexual partners who are HIV–positive. Do not share needles or syringes and make sure to use protection for any sexual contact.

Understanding HIV Transmission Risk in Relationships

When in a relationship where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative, it’s crucial to understand the risk of transmission and take steps to minimize it.

• Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):

  • If the HIV-positive partner is on ART and achieves and maintains an undetectable viral load, the risk of transmitting HIV to their partner is extremely low (virtually zero).
    UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMITTABLE!
  • Undetectable viral load means the amount of HIV in the blood is so low that it cannot be detected by standard tests.

• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP):

  • If you are HIV-negative, PrEP is a medication that can significantly reduce your risk of acquiring HIV if you are exposed to the virus.

• Risk Reduction Strategies:

  • Even with undetectable viral load in the HIV-positive partner, consistent and correct condom use during all sexual activities remains an important precaution.
  • Discuss safer sex practices with your partner, including reducing the number of sexual partners and avoiding activities with higher transmission risks (e.g., anal sex without a condom).

What Does Having HIV Actually Mean?

A person living with HIV today can go on to live long and productive lives as long as he/she takes steps to manage his/her infection.

HIV is a chronic illness that can be managed with daily medication, regular laboratory testing and physician, and healthy lifestyle changes (exercise, smoking cessation, adequate sleep, etc.).

How is HIV Harmful?

HIV is a virus that spreads by attacking and killing healthy cells in the body. It spans throughout the body, destroying cells or forcing them to duplicate with the infection.

Specifically, HIV targets immune system cells, known as T-cells. T-cells fight off infection by killing cells that have been infected by germs and as more T-cells start dying, the immune system is left compromised. If the number of T-cells drops significantly the risk of infection increases leading to the acquisition of AIDS.

Mental Health Resources for Living with HIV

People with HIV have an increased risk of acquiring mental health conditions. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a mental health disability or think that you may have one, please see a doctor immediately.

Below is a link that can help you locate a mental health clinic in your area.

Stage 1 – Primary Infection

Symptoms:

• Fever: Often the most common and prominent symptom.
• Fatigue: Feeling of extreme tiredness and exhaustion.
• Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpits, or groin.
• Sore throat: Can be accompanied by pain upon swallowing.
• Rash: May appear as a red, blotchy rash on various parts of the body.
• Muscle aches and joint pain: Common during this stage.
• Headache: Frequent and persistent.
• Night sweats: Profuse sweating during sleep

Stage 2 – Latency


Symptoms:

• Often no noticeable symptoms are present during this stage.
• Some individuals may experience mild, persistent symptoms like fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or recurrent yeast infections.
  
• This stage can last for many years, even decades, without proper treatment.
• HIV is still active and contagious during latency.
• Early treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial to prevent progression to AIDS and reduce the risk of transmission

Stage 3 – Progression towards AIDS

Symptoms:

• Weakened immune system: Leads to increased susceptibility to serious infections and illnesses.
• Opportunistic infections: These are infections that take advantage of the weakened immune system. Common examples include:
  • Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP): A type of lung infection.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): A bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.
  • Candidiasis: Fungal infections, such as oral thrush (fungal infection in the mouth) or vaginal yeast infections.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Can cause eye infections, pneumonia, and other problems.
  • Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection that can affect the brain.
  • Kaposi’s sarcoma: A type of cancer that causes reddish-purple lesions on the skin.
• Rapid weight loss: Unexplained and significant weight loss.
• Extreme fatigue: Persistent and debilitating tiredness.
• Persistent fever: Fever that doesn’t go away.
• Diarrhea: Persistent and watery stools.
• Memory problems and difficulty concentrating: “HIV dementia” can occur.
• Skin rashes and sores: Can appear on various parts of the body.