TESTING FOR HIV
HIV testing is the only way to determine if you are infected with HIV. Most individuals who are at the highest risk for HIV have not been tested, usually because they do not realize that they are at risk. Others avoid testing because they are worried about the possibility of a positive test result.
However, testing is encouraged because treatment for HIV is highly effective and learning about the infection can improve your chance of living longer and being healthier. Furthermore, knowing your HIV status and taking precautions can greatly reduce your risk of transmitting the virus to others. (See "Patient information: Testing for HIV" and "Primary HIV-1 infection: Diagnosis and treatment".)
WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION
Your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem.
This article will be updated as needed every four months on our web site (www.uptodate.com/patients).
Related topics for patients, as well as selected articles written for healthcare professionals, are also available. Some of the most relevant are listed below
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