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Testing

For a complete listing of HIV Testing Sites go to the AIDSNET WebSite.

Should I get an HIV Test?

The following are behaviors that increase your chances of getting HIV. If you answer yes to any of them, you should definitely get an HIV test. If you continue with any of these behaviors, you should be tested every year. Talk to a health care provider about an HIV testing schedule that is right for you.

  • 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?

If you have had sex with someone whose history of sex partners and/or drug use is unknown to you or if you or your partner has had many sex partners, then you have more of a chance of being infected with HIV. Both you and your new partner should get tested for HIV, and learn the results, before having sex for the first time.

For women who plan to become pregnant, testing is even more important. If a woman is infected with HIV, medical care and certain drugs given during pregnancy can lower the chance of passing HIV to her baby. All women who are pregnant should be tested during each pregnancy.

http://www.hivtest.org/faq.cfm#tested

 

 

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I'm HIV + Now What

  1. Stop, Close your eyes, and Breathe. 

It is all right to feel scared.  Just don't let that fear take over the reality that HIV is now considered a manageable disease. It's not what it used to be. People are living a normal life span.  Stop and breathe.

  1. Focus on the Present.

At this time, your imagination can be your worst enemy.  The anxiety of what can happen or the fear or making any long-term plans can be considerable.  Try to focus on today.

  1. Forgive Yourself

You might be angry at yourself or with the person who gave you HIV.  Acting on anger in any form leads to no good.  To deal with this, first, FORGIVE YOURSELF.  The past will never change.  Accept it and move on.  Once you can forgive yourself, you are in a much better position to forgive others.

  1. You are unique.

Forget the stories you have heard and the movies you have seen.  Make HIV your own experience.  Don't give up on yourself because of what happened to someone else.  Live day by day in the present.

  1. Find a doctor.

Don't be afraid or embarrassed to talk to your doctor.  The sooner you are under medical care the sooner you can control the HIV in your system. 

  1. Don't live in denial.

You have HIV.  You have the potential to live a long and peaceful life if you deal with having HIV now.  Don't let your ego, pride or fear deny you the life you deserve.

  1. Understand HIV.

The information is out there for you to find and process at your own rate.  Click here for listing of HIV resources here in San Francisco.

  1. Reach out to Others.

We all have support networks.  They come in different forms for each person. They can be your family, friends, therapist or doctor.  They can also be strangers who may be in a similar situation or someone from a local AIDS service agency.  You are not alone.

  1. Think of making some lifestyle changes.

You can’t have a peaceful existence with HIV without supporting your body in the process.  Do things that reduce stress and make you healthy.

http://www.stopaids.org/resources/newly-diagnosed

Contact

Please call Victoria at 610-882-1119

E-Mail

2200 Avenue A Suite 102

Bethlehem, PA 18017-2157

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