Metro TeenAIDS

Am I ready for testing?

Where to get tested

Being HIV Positive

The HIV test detects HIV in your body. It can tell you whether you're infected before any health problems show up. It's quick, it's easy, and it's accurate.

It's not perfect, though -- a negative test result doesn't always mean you're not infected. If you've been infected within the past few months, there isn't enough HIV in your bloodstream yet for the test to pick up. The test will say that you're not infected; to know for sure, you should test again six months later.

Day one	you're having risky behaviors that expose you to HIV.
Within 3 weeks to 6 months	you will develop HIV antibodies with no symptoms. An HIV Test may come up negative at this time. It's important to test every 3 to 6 months if you are sexually active or share needles for drugs, tatooing, piercing or steroids.
From 7 to 10 years	symptoms appear like Fever, Diarrhea, Fatigue, Swollen Glands, Weight Loss, Night Sweats, Skin Rash, and Thrush.
Within 10 to 12 years	if you're T cell counts are below 200 or you have an Opportunistic Infection like PCP, Kaposi Sarcoma, AIDS Dementia, you are considered having AIDS.

Well here are some ways you will know. You know when you are trying to keep you health up, when you can accept the test being positive or negative, when you change partners and lovers, and when you're trying to start a family.

	There are two procedures for taking a HIV test. The two types of tests are Confidential and Anonymous. With a Confidential test you will give your name and some other identification, we would also ask you about your sexual history and, or drug history. Results cannot and would not be shared with other people without your consent. You can get a record of results. With an Anonymous test you will not have to give your name, instead you are given a number or code that allows you to get your results; we would also ask you about your sexual history and your drug history.

	You can take a blood test, where the doctor takes your blood with a needle or you can take an orasure test where the doctor puts a cotton swab between your cheek and your gums for about 10 minutes.

	Both test looks for the HIV antibody that fights off diseases or infections

Metro Teen AIDS found sites that protect your privacy, have late afternoon/weekend hours, don't pass judgment on your behavior, clearly explain the HIV test and its results, help you figure out how to stay healthy, and are either free or low cost(under $10). Click here or call 888.KNOW.HIV (888.566.9448).

Well, if a person test is positive!!! They can get treatment, join a support group, get connected with a doctor, and much more. Were all young, and understand that being young is tough enough, with or with out HIV, but we will help support you. "You may feel scared, alone but you're not. Metro TeenAIDS can help you get connected to lots of different kinds of services…."

Remember that there is a window period, and the first day will not let you know if you are positive. It takes about 3 weeks to 6 months before HIV antibodies show up.

If a person test comes back negative, then we would try to help that person stay negative with information about HIV and AIDS. Remember a negative test does not necessarily mean you don't have HIV. So there for it would be good to take a test every six months. We would also supply condoms, for having safe sex.

You are not alone. HIV is no longer a death sentences. Lots of young adult who are HIV positive, is living long and healthy lives and are getting the best treatment they possibly can. They are also getting help with jobs, housing, GED programs and much more.

Youth Connection is a program that also link positive youth into HIV health care.

Youth Connection is a team of people who care about youth and there needs.

For more info call 202.543.9355 and ask for Anne or Shakeita.

Want more information try these websites:

Get Some Answers from Advocates for Youth

Learn more about HIV positive youth in San Francisco

Facts | Testing | Help Out | Support

Metro TeenAIDS
PO Box 15577 Washington, DC 20003-5577
tel. 202.543.9355 fax 202.543.3343