| | | | | | |

Should I have an HIV test?

Whether to have an HIV test can be a difficult decision. It is a personal decision and may be influenced by a lot of factors. The pros and cons of testing are different for each individual.

Before deciding whether to have an HIV test it is important to consider why you think you need to have a test and how the test result – whether positive or negative – may affect your life.

It’s important to remember that there is no point in having a test unless you think you have been at risk of becoming infected with HIV.

The main ways HIV is transmitted are:

• fucking without a condom with someone who is already infected with HIV

  • NOTE: HIV is NOT able to pass through good quality condoms such as those bearing the British Standard kitemark

• sharing injecting equipment such as needles or syringes with someone who is already infected with HIV

• from an infected mother to her baby

• sharing plates, cups or cutlery

• touching, hugging or shaking hands

• eating food prepared by someone with HIV

• mosquito or other insect/animal bites