What happens if I test positive for HIV?

If you test positive on a screening test, you should have another test to confirm that you are definitely positive for HIV, as there are some false positives on screening. The confirmatory test is more specific. Seek further counsel from your primary medical doctor, who can guide further workup and treatment if needed.

HIV testing is a critical step in the prevention of HIV, but just as important is what happens after the test. HIV medical care and prevention counseling can improve health, increase survival, and prevent the spread of HIV.

Most people with HIV receiving care are given medicines called antiretroviral therapies (ARTs), which lower the amount of the virus in the body. In fact, 77% of patients given ART have very low amounts of the virus in their bodies. Low amounts of the virus in the body leads to improved health and much longer lives for people with HIV and can help prevent the passing of the virus to others.

Yet, only half of people with HIV are in care and only 28% have their virus under control.

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