The Basics
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. You could have HIV and still feel healthy. Many doctors recommend HIV testing for everyone ages 13 to 64.
How often you get tested depends on your risk for HIV infection.
Get tested for HIV at least once a year if you:
- Have unprotected sex (sex without a condom) with someone who may have HIV
- Have sex with men who have sex with men
- Use drugs with needles
- Have a sex partner who is HIV-positive (has HIV)
- Have had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Get tested every 3 to 6 months if you:
- Are a man who has sex with men
- Have sex with more than one partner
- Have sex with people you don’t know
Talk to the doctor or nurse about your risk for HIV. Ask how often you need to get tested.
