June 27th is National HIV Testing Day, and we want to clear up a few common myths, because stigma should never stand in the way of care. It is one of the biggest reasons people don’t get tested for HIV, but testing saves lives.
MYTH: HIV testing is only for people who think they’re “high risk.”
FACT: HIV testing is recommended for everyone aged 13 to 64 at least once as part of their routine health care. If you have certain risk factors, you should get tested annually. It is a simple, important screening that can give you information about your health and help you make informed decisions in the future.
Options for testing include, but are not limited to, clinics, rapid oral swabs, lab blood tests, and confidential at-home kits, and most tests are covered by insurance. Talk to your provider about which type of test is best for you.
MYTH: I don’t need to get tested if I feel fine.
FACT: HIV may not cause symptoms right away, which means someone can feel completely healthy and still not know their status. Testing is the only way for sure.
HIV cannot be detected immediately after infection. The amount of time between exposure and when a test can detect HIV is as follows:
- Nucleic Acid Test (NAT): 10-33 days
- Antigen/Antibody Lab Test, using blood from a vein: 18-45 days
- Rapid Antigen/Antibody Test, using blood from a finger stick: 18-90 days
- Antibody Test, including most rapid and self-tests: 23-90 days
If your test has a positive result, you may need follow-up testing.
MYTH: If I’m in a relationship, I don’t need to think about HIV testing.
FACT: HIV testing can still be an important part of your overall sexual health when you’re in a relationship! Even if you and your partner are only having sex with each other, you should still both find out your status.
Anyone sexually active with multiple partners should consider annual or more frequent testing, and your provider can help you decide what testing schedule makes sense for you based on your history and risk factors.
MYTH: An HIV diagnosis means you can’t live a healthy life.
FACT: With treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives. Early diagnosis and consistent care help manage the virus and support overall wellness.
Testing positive for HIV does not mean you have AIDS, which is the most advanced stage of HIV; however, it can lead to AIDS if left untreated. Treatment can make the amount of HIV in your body so low that it is undetectable by tests, often referred to as an undetectable viral load, and this is the best way to keep yourself and your partners healthy.
MYTH: People living with HIV will always transmit it to partners.
FACT: When treatment lowers HIV to an undetectable viral load and remains as such for at least six months, it cannot be transmitted sexually. This is known as U=U: undetectable = untransmittable. HIV-negative partners can still further protect themselves from getting HIV by taking PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which is highly effective at preventing transmission when taken as prescribed.
If a person living with HIV is not on medication or has an inconsistent treatment regimen, the virus can still be transmitted sexually. Transmission is not guaranteed at every encounter, but the exact risk will vary based on several factors.
If you’re ready to get tested, you can find a testing site at hiv.gov or ask us at your next visit. We are always happy to answer questions and help you feel safe, seen, and supported in your healthcare.