Take Control of Your Health and Your Life. Get Tested
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. Learn more about why all sexually active Americans should get tested for HIV.
There are approximately 1 million people in the United States living with HIV. One-fourth of them do not know that they are HIV-infected. Could you be one of them?
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.
Why Should I Get Tested for HIV?
Early detection of HIV infection can lead to a longer and healthier life.
If you do not know if you are infected with HIV, you could be spreading it to others. If you are HIV positive, you must take steps to prevent passing your HIV infection to another person.
If you find out that you have HIV, it does not mean that you are going to get sick and die. While there is no cure for HIV, new drugs are available that can help you stay healthy and decrease the amount of HIV virus in your body.
What is the HIV Test?
The HIV test detects whether or not you have been exposed to the HIV virus. There are several different kinds of tests: Blood tests, urine tests, and an oral (mouth) test. Only a very small amount of blood is needed for the blood tests.
HIV tests can take a few days to 2 weeks for results, or with rapid HIV tests you can get results in about 20 minutes.
Where Can I Get Tested?
Free and confidential or anonymous HIV tests are available. To find an HIV testing site near you, visit www.hivtest.org, or, call:
800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: 888-232-6348
- In English, en Español
- Open 24 Hours a Day
- Confidential
For more information about HIV and AIDS, visit: www.aids.gov.
