Getting Tested
Know Your HIV Status
Knowing your status is the best way to stay healthy. And the only way to know your status is to get tested regularly.
According to the CDC, you should get tested at least once a year for HIV if:
- You’ve had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test
- You’ve been diagnosed with or treated for another sexually transmitted disease
- You’ve had anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV
- You’re a man who has had sex with another man
- You’ve shared needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment
- You’ve exchanged sex for drugs or money
- You’ve been diagnosed with or treated for hepatitis or tuberculosis (TB)
If you’re gay or bi and sexually active, you should get tested every 3 to 6 months.
Even if you’re in a monogamous relationship with your partner, both of you should get tested to ensure you know your status.
Where to Get Tested
The first step to knowing your status is getting tested. There are many providers across Austin who offer free, discreet, and confidential or anonymous testing, regardless of whether you have insurance or not.
These options include:
- On-site testing at a clinic or wellness center (in which you visit their facility)
- Mobile testing or a testing at a pop-up location
- At-home testing kits that you can order online or from a local pharmacy
What to do after you’ve tested positive for HIV
The first 48 hours after a positive HIV test are very important. Here are the steps you should take to get the virus under control and maximize your chances for a healthy outcome.
1. DON’T PANIC!
You probably feel afraid and overwhelmed.
But remember that HIV can be treated effectively with today’s medicines.
2. CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, EVEN IF YOU DON’T FEEL SICK
They can get you started on an HIV treatment plan to lower the amount of virus in your body.
3. ASK QUESTIONS!
Your initial visit and physical exam with your healthcare provider is a great time to ask questions — about your treatment plan, lifestyle changes, how to talk to your partner about HIV, and more.
4. START TAKING YOUR PRESCRIBED HIV MEDICINES.
You’ll get started immediately on HIV medication, also called antiretroviral therapy (ART). Over time, ART can reduce the amount of HIV in your body to undetectable levels, so the virus will be untransmitable to other people.
5. SEEK OUT SUPPORT.
You don’t have to go on your journey alone! Austin Public Health can connect you to peer support groups, counseling, prescription assistance, and more.
Local resources
Counseling & Testing
Prescription Assistance
Peer Support Group
Counseling & Testing
The RBJ Health Center is part of Austin Public Health and offers a variety of services, including conseling, education, and HIV testing and screening.
Prescription Assistance
If you need help getting and paying for your prescribed medications, there are local resources available to help.
Peer Support Group
Any journey is easier when you’re supported by people who’ve made it themselves.
Counseling & Testing
The RBJ Health Center is part of Austin Public Health and offers a variety of services, including conseling, education, and HIV testing and screening.
Prescription Assistance
If you need help getting and paying for your prescribed medications, there are local resources available to help.
Peer Support Group
Any journey is easier when you’re supported by people who’ve made it themselves.
