What do the results mean?
A negative HIV test result can ease your mind and at the same time act as a “wake up” call to examine the choices you’re making. A positive result requires that you take immediate action that can lead to an equally long and healthy life.
Negative—You do not have HIV: What now?
Positive—You do have HIV: What now?
Take steps to make some changes to ensure that you stay healthy:
- Practice safe sex: Use condoms to keep yourself and others safe
- Learn about HIV and how it is—and isn’t—transmitted to others
- Try to live a balanced lifestyle: Eat healthy and exercise regularly
- See your doctor regularly and be actively involved in your health—both physical and emotional
- Get tested on a regular basis
Don’t panic! Lean as much as you can about HIV. A good place to start is with your local community-based HIV/AIDS service organization (ASO) who will recommend that you:
- Speak to your healthcare provider if you have one to get a referral to a specialist
- If you don’t have a healthcare provider, your local ASO can help you find one
- Seek out social support, both from professionals trained to deal with HIV and from trusted friends and family. You do not have to deal with this alone
- Gather as much information as you can about HIV and its treatments
- Try to live a balanced lifestyle: Eat healthy and exercise regularly
- See your doctor regularly and be actively involved in your health—both physical and emotional
Contact your local community-based AIDS Service Organization (ASO) to speak to someone who can answer your questions and help you prepare for the results.
Quick tips
- The time to talk about condom use is BEFORE things get hot and heavy, because once you get going, it can be hard to slow down.
HIV facts
- You can have HIV for 10 years and not display any symptoms. Just because you don't feel sick, doesn't mean you're not sick.
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