…actively multiplying, infecting, and killing cells of the immune system. The virus can also hide within infected cells and lie dormant. The most obvious effect of HIV infection is a decline in the number of CD4+ T cells found in the blood. These are the immune system’s key infection fighters. The virus slowly disables or destroys these cells without causing symptoms.
The CDC recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care, just like you have a blood test or a urine test to be sure you are healthy.
Learn Your Status At Home In Only 20 Minutes!
In other words, you should have an HIV test during a medical check-up—regardless if you take part in activities that are considered ‘risky behaviors’. It is better to know than to assume that you know your status.
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People with certain risk factors should get tested more often. If you were HIV-negative the last time you were tested and answer yes to any of the following questions, you should get an HIV test because these things increase your chances of getting HIV:
Are you a man who has had sex with another man?
Have you had sex—anal or vaginal—with an HIV-positive partner?
Have you had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test?
Have you injected drugs and shared needles or works (for example, water or cotton) with others?
Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?
Have you been diagnosed with or sought treatment for another sexually transmitted disease?
Have you been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis or tuberculosis (TB)?
Have you had sex with someone who could answer yes to any of the above questions or someone whose sexual history you don’t know?
You should be tested at least…
