Five Minutes or Less for Health Weekly Tip: Get an HIV Test
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system. It is this virus that causes AIDS. Testing is an essential first step in protecting yourself and others from HIV infection. CDC recommends that everyone should be tested for HIV. Others at increased risk (such as those with multiple or HIV-infected partners) should get tested at least annually.
- You can get tested at your health care provider’s office - ask your provider about getting tested.
- For additional testing sites (including many that offer free and confidential testing), call 800-CDC-INFO or visit www.hivtest.org. You can also text your zip code to KNOW IT, that’s 5-6-6-9-4-8.
If you learn you are HIV positive, you can then take steps to protect your partners, and receive life-extending treatment.
Learn More
Importance of HIV Testing: CDC Vital Signs Report
One Test. Two Lives. HIV Screening for Prenatal Care
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Page last modified: October 28, 2011
Page last reviewed: October 28, 2011