3.1. Why test for HIV?

* If you've had unprotected sex or if you've been in contact with another person's blood, you are at risk of HIV infection.
* An HIV test will tell whether or not you are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that causes AIDS.
* This test looks for 'antibodies' to HIV. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight specific germs.
* Knowing your HIV status early means you can start looking after yourself and you can have a long and healthy life.
* There are many medical options to make sure you live for a long time, even with HIV. It is easier to maintain a healthy immune system than to try and rebuild on what has been attacked for many years.
* Too many people wait until it is too late and the virus has already gone too far.


NOTE! Read more about HIV and AIDS by following the menu on the left.