WE ARE ALL AFFECTED BY HIV - WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIGHT HIV & AIDS

EVERYONE SHOULD GET TESTED AND KNOW THEIR HIV STATUS

Many people feel that if they are infected with HIV they would rather not know. Others will not take a test because they are afraid that they could not handle the results. No matter what the results of your HIV test are, remember that knowledge is power. Some very important facts about the fight against HIV & AIDS are:

• If you test HIV negative, you will be educated about how the virus is transmitted and about the lifestyle changes that you can make immediately in order to protect yourself from becoming infected with HIV or another sexually transmitted disease.
• It you test HIV positive, you can begin to receive specialized HIV treatment immediately; treatment of HIV early in the disease will help you to stay healthy longer and may delay the progression to AIDS and the onset of some of the more serious complications of HIV disease. It is very important that you receive regular care from a provider who specializes in the treatment of HIV & AIDS. To find a provider in your area, go to www.directory.poz.com
• If you test positive, you will be given information about where to go for medical care, financial and case management services, and emotional support.
  
• If you are HIV postive you can take extra precautions to prevent the spread of HIV to your loved ones and sexual partners.
• If you are a woman and are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you need to know your HIV status. If you are HIV positive, there are medications that are safe for you and your unborn baby that can help to prevent your baby from becoming infected.

Anyone who has unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex or who shares needles is at risk of becoming infected with HIV. You owe it to yourself and to others to take an HIV test and to learn what we can do to prevent the spread of the virus. To learn more about where to go for a test in your area, how the test is done, how and when you will receive results, and about confidentiality and anonymity, go to http://www.hivtest.org

If your healthcare provider does not suggest an HIV test, ask for one; ask your sexual partners to get tested, also.

Respect yourself by protecting yourself. Pledge to use a condom/ask your partner to use a condom with each and every intimate sexual act. We all have the power to fight HIV & AIDS. Let's use that power and stand up and fight this disease!