For more information, call and speak to a STAP Educator at 800-333-0892.
Click here to see our Director of Prevention giving an HIV test on Newschannel 34.
Why should I get tested for HIV?
Everyone has an HIV status, but not everyone knows what it is. There are many options available for those living with HIV and the sooner you know your status, the more options you’ll have open to you. Because you should consider at what risk you put your partner(s) if you don't know your own HIV status, or if you are HIV positive. The only way to tell if you have been infected with HIV is by taking an HIV antibody test.
The advantages to knowing your HIV status are:
· You can prevent infection to others if you find out you are HIV positive,
· You can seek medical therapies earlier.
How can I tell if I’m infected with HIV?
You can't unless you get tested for HIV. The early symptoms of HIV infection are often flu-like (fatigue, muscle aches, nausea), but not everyone exhibits these early symptoms, so you may not even know or think you’re infected. The only way to know for certain whether or not you have the virus is to be tested.
How long after a possible exposure should I wait to get tested for HIV?
If your exposure was within 72 hours, contact your physician or a local STI/HIV organization. If your risk of contracting HIV from the exposure is high, a physician may prescribe you a course of anti-HIV medications that may decrease the odds of infection by 81%. The treatment is often known as P.E.P., or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. Otherwise, since the tests commonly used to detect HIV infection are actually looking for the antibodies produced by your body to fight HIV, rather than HIV itself, it’s suggested that you wait at least 2-3 weeks after a possible exposure to take the test. This will allow your body to develop more HIV antibodies if you have been exposed and can make for a more accurate test r
esult. Most people will develop detectable antibodies within 3 months of the initial exposure, with the average being about 25 days. It is recommended that you get tested 3 months after the last possible exposure (from unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and/or sharing needles). It's also very important during the 3 months between a possible exposure and taking the HIV test that you protect yourself and others from further possible exposures to HIV (from unprotected sex or sharing needles).
What's the difference between anonymous and confidential HIV testing?
There are two different ways to test for HIV — anonymously and confidentially.
- Anonymous HIV testing means that absolutely no one besides you will have access to your test results since your name is never given or recorded at the testing site. Instead, you are given a unique identifier code, and you (the person being tested) are the only one who is ever made aware of the test results. This protects you from any risk of discrimination or adverse impact. Anonymous HIV testing is provided by the NYS Department of Health and your local County Health Depart ment. You can also get anonymous HIV testing done at STAP.
- Confidential HIV testing does record your name and contact information. Confidentiality laws and regulations protect this information, but medical personnel and health department personnel will have access to your test records and results. However, other than what is reportable by law, no one else will have access to your testing results unless you sign a release of information to release results to one or more parties that you agree to. You will be able to obtain a copy of your test results if you choose confidential testing.
What are rapid HIV tests?
A rapid test for detecting antibodies to HIV is a screening test that produces very quick results, usually in 20 minutes. By comparison, results from the commonly used HIV antibody screening test, the EIA (enzyme immunoassay), are not available for 1-2 weeks. The rapid HIV test is considered to be just as accurate as the EIA. Both the rapid test and the EIA look for the presence of antibodies to HIV. As is true for all screening tests (including the EIA), a reactive rapid HIV test result must be confirmed before a diagnosis of infection can be given.
What happens during testing?
A health care worker takes a little sample of blood from your finger or takes cells from the inside of your cheek and gums. Many testing centers offer a rapid test. Results will be provided in about 20 minutes. A reactive result will have to be confirmed with a second test with results coming back in about 2 weeks. During the test, you will be asked some questions about your past experiences and why you have come in for the test. You will also be asked if you need any information on how to make your life safer.
Where can I get tested for HIV infection?
Many places provide testing for HIV infection. Common testing locations include local health departments, hospitals, private doctors, family planning and/or sexually transmitted disease mobile sites, drug treatment facilities, and sites specifically set up to provide HIV testing. It is important to seek testing at a place that also provides counseling about HIV and AIDS. Counselors can answer any questions you might have about risky behavior and ways you can protect yourself and others in the future. In addition, they can help you understand the meaning of the test results and describe what HIV/AIDS related resources are available in your local area. For both anonymous and confidential HIV testing sites, call 1-800-872-2777 or STAP at (607) 798-1706.
If I test HIV negative, does that mean that my partner is HIV negative also?
No. Your HIV test result reveals only your HIV status. Your negative test result does not tell you whether your partner has HIV. HIV is not necessarily transmitted every time there is an exposure. Therefore, your taking an HIV test should not be seen as a method to find out if your partner is infected. Testing should never take the place of protecting yourself from HIV infection. If your behaviors are putting you at risk for exposure to HIV, it is important to reduce your risks.
What if I test positive for HIV?
If you have just found out you have HIV, you’re probably feeling any number of very strong, mixed emotions. There is hope!! New treatments and medications mean longer, healthier lives for people with HIV. The more you know about what it means to be HIV positive, the more you’ll be able to work with your health care provider to manage your health care. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. At STAP you can speak to a case manager, medical advocate or Prevention Services educator anytime. If you test positive for HIV, the sooner you take steps to protect your health, the better. Early medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well. Prompt medical care may delay the onset of AIDS and prevent some life-threatening conditions. If you do not have health insurance, there may be health care providers in your area that provide reduced-cost or free care to uninsured persons. There are a number of important steps you can take immediately to protect your health.
· See a doctor, even if you do not feel sick. Try to find a doctor who has experience treating HIV. There are now many drugs to treat HIV infection and help you maintain your health. It is never too early to start thinking about treatment possibilities.
· Have a TB (tuberculosis) test done. You may be infected with TB and not know it. Undetected TB can cause serious illness, but it can be successfully treated if caught early. Also, test for hepatitis B and C and syphilis.
· Smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, or using illegal drugs (such as speed, ecstasy, cocaine, or heroin) can weaken your immune system. There are programs available that can help you to reduce or stop using these substances. There is much you can do to stay healthy. Learn all that you can about maintaining good health. Check out Project Inform (www.projectinform.org) or The Body (www.thebody.com) for good info on HIV/AIDS and being positive. You can also contact a Case Manager or Prevention Educator at STAP if you have more questions.