HIV - Frequently Asked Questions

What is an HIV Test?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Laboratory tests tell whether you have been infected with HIV. A test is not considered
positive unless a different backup test is done and also reads positive. These tests are
conducted on a single sample of your blood or on an oral sample from your mouth or on a
urine sample. Test results may, on rare occasions, be inconclusive, and this possibility
should be discussed with your HIV counselor or other health professional.

Will the HIV test tell me if I have AIDS?

No. A positive test means you have become infected with the virus. While some people
infected with the virus have gone on to develop AIDS, others have not yet developed AIDS.
Healthy lifestyle and behavior changes, improved diet, and, most importantly, early medical treatment may help you delay, or avoid, the development of AIDS.

How long after exposure does it take to tell if I am infected?

Most people will test positive within three months after exposure. The average time is
less than one month. However, a few people have taken up to six months or even one
year to test positive

How does a person become infected with HIV?

The virus is most commonly spread through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral
sex) and by sharing needles or works to shoot injectable drugs. An infected
mother may infect her baby during pregnancy, at the time of birth, or while breast
feeding. Very rarely, contact with blood through open cuts or wounds, or
splashes to the eyes, may also spread the virus. You cannot get infected with
the virus by donating or giving blood, or through casual contact.

Who should consider having the HIV test?

The Michigan Department of Community Health recommends that HIV Testing be
considered by anyone who meets any of the following criteria:

• People who have had a sexually transmitted disease (venereal disease).
• People who have shared needles or who have a history of drug abuse.
• Men who have had sex with other men.
• Men or women who have had unprotected sex with anyone whose HIV status
  is unknown. (Unprotected sex means there has been an exchange of semen
  or vaginal secretions between the partners.)
• People who have had more than one sex partner.
• People who have had sex with prostitutes (male or female).
• People who received blood products or blood transfusions between 1978 and
  1985.
• People who exchange sex for drugs or money.
• People who are infected with tuberculosis.
• People who have had exposure to the blood of someone who may be infected.
• People who have had sex with any person from the above list, particularly with
  injecting drug users.
• Women who are pregnant or who are considering pregnancy.

If I am pregnant, should I get tested for HIV?

Michigan law requires that:

a. All pregnant women be counseled about, and tested for, HIV;

b. HIV testing of pregnant women and their infants must be voluntary;

c. Written, informed consent for testing be obtained prior to testing;

d. Women who test positive for HIV or who refuse testing must not be

• denied prenatal or other health care services,
• reported to child protective service agencies because of refusal to be tested or because of their HIV status, or
• discriminated against in any other way.

 

What support is provided should I test HIV-positive?

CHAG has a staff of mobile advocates and HIV counselors who will provide one-on-one counseling support in the event that you do test HIV-positive. This includes directed referrals to primary medical care through an HIV specialist and screening for HIV case management, mental health or risk reduction counseling. Additionally, all positive testers are connected with providers to address any immediate needs with, such as food, clothing, shelter, etc.

 

Who will know the results of my tests?

Any person giving you this test is required by law to keep your test results confidential. Even the courts must follow specific rules before they can require disclosure through a court order. A subpoena is not sufficient to require disclosure; you will be asked to sign a separate release form. If this information needs to be released beyond the requirements of the law, you will be asked to sign a separate release form.

 

Whom should I tell if I am HIV-positive?

Michigan law requires that you must notify any new sexual partner prior to having sex with them. Past sexual and needls-sharing partners are to be notified so that they can also be counseled and offered testing. If requested, your local health department will provide you assistance in notifying partners.

Inform all health care providers, both medical and dental, who are providing you treatment, about your HIV infection. This helps them care for you.

The law prohibits health care providers from refusing to treat you based upon your HIV infection.

New guidelines indicate that HIV-infected pregnant women should undergo treatment for HIV disease. This treatment may reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn by 60-70%.

Finally, be careful about discussing your HIV status with others. Some people may not understand the nature of the infection or how it is actually spread. This may lead to misunderstanding and create problems for you with friends, co-workers, or others.

 

What if I have more questions?

There are a variety of resources that can provide additional information. Please contact any of the following:

Community Health Awareness Group (313) 963-3434

Michigan AIDS Hotline 1(800) 872-AIDS or 1(800) 872-2437

For Spanish, please call 1(800) 862-SIDA or 1(800) 862-7432

TDD 1(800) 332-0849

National AIDS Hotline 1(800) CDC-INFO or 1(800) 232-4636

CDC Business and Labor Resource 1(877) 242-9760