HIV is the abbreviation for human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus weakens a person’s ability to fight infections and cancers. A person can get HIV by coming into contact with an infected person’s body fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk). HIV can be spread through:
You cannot get HIV from:
You can get a simple blood test to see if you have been infected with HIV. The test looks for HIV antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are substances that the body makes in response to the HIV infection.
A small sample of your blood is drawn and sent to the laboratory for testing. If the first test shows signs of HIV (preliminary test), the sample will be tested again (confirmatory test). HIV infection is only confirmed after the sample of blood has been tested at least two times.
No, although we strongly recommend it. HIV testing is voluntary. Anyone is free to decline testing. However there are many good reasons to get tested:
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