You May Have HIV And Not Even Know It

December 1, 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than 56,000 Americans become infected with HIV every year partially because 25 percent of those living with HIV are not even aware that they are infected with the deadly disease. Testing is critical to keeping the spread of HIV down. The more aware you are, the more you can protect not only your own health, but also the transmission of HIV to others. If you’re not sure if you should be tested for HIV, take a look at these questions. If your answer is yes to any of them, you need to take an HIV test.

• Have you injected drugs or steroids or shared equipment (such as needles, syringes, works) with others?
• Have you had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with men who have sex with men, multiple partners, or anonymous partners?
• Have you exchanged sex for drugs or money?
• Have you been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), or a sexually transmitted disease (STD), like syphilis?
• Have you had unprotected sex with someone who could answer yes to any of the above questions?

The average length of time for HIV to become detectable in your body is 25 days after exposure. In rare cases it could take up to 6 months before the disease can be detected. It’s a good idea if you are concerned and take an HIV test that comes up negative within 3 months of exposure to repeat the test in another 3 months.

For more information about testing and to find an HIV testing site in your area, check out the CDC’s National HIV and STD Testing Resources website.

You can also text your zip code to KnowIt (566948) to find HIV testing centers near you.

And for more information about AIDS and how to prevent it check out AIDS.gov.