The only way to know for sure if someone has HIV is for them to take an HIV test. New York State Department of Health recommends that everyone get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. How often you test is up to you – if you are sexually active, you may want to test every year or every 6 months.
Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information to help you take steps to keep you and your partner(s) healthy.
There are different types of HIV tests – some just require a little bit of blood from your finger. Some are oral swabs that you give yourself. And some require taking some blood and sending to a lab to get tested.
If you receive a positive diagnosis (HIV+), you can take medicine to treat HIV and lead a long and healthy life by being engaged in medical care.
If you receive a negative diagnosis (HIV-), there are more tools available today to help prevent getting HIV than ever before like PrEP, PEP, and more fun ways to use condoms.
End HIV in Western New York 