How do I find out if I have HIV?

Take an HIV test. This is a very personal decision. If you feel you may have taken part in activities that have put you at risk, you may want to consider taking the test. The test should be taken three to six months after the last time you may have been at risk. Since you can be infected with HIV and look well and feel healthy for years, the only way to know for sure if you are infected is by taking the HIV antibody test.

AIDS Network utilizes two methods for HIV testing.  One is Orasure, which is an oral HIV test where an individual has a testing paddle placed in their mouth for approximately 3 to 4 minutes with test results available in two weeks. The second is rapid testing where a small amount of blood is collected from the tip of the finger with test results available in 15 minutes.

Should I get tested for HEP C?

The symptoms of Hepatitis C are often very mild. In fact, you may not have any symptoms at all. Many people carry the virus for years without knowing it.

Those who inject drugs are at high-risk for getting HEP C because they may be sharing needles and other drug paraphernalia, which may be contaminated with HCV-infected blood. In fact, 60% to 80% of all IV drug users have HEP C.

If you are at risk for HEP C, you should consider getting tested. This is because, if you are diagnosed with HEP C, you can begin to get the health care and support you need. You will need to learn how to take care of your liver and yourself.

You will also need to learn how to avoid infecting others with the virus. Because it stays in your body, you can give HEP C virus to family members and sexual partners.

Office HIV testing in Madison is available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and on Wednesday 11 a.m.-6:15 p.m.; in Beloit testing is available Tuesday and Friday 2-4:30 p.m.; in Janesville testing is by appointment only; and in Sauk County the second Thursday of each month.

Office HCV testing in Madison is available on Monday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Testing at AIDS Network is free and confidential.  For more information, please call us at:  1-800-486-6276.

It is important to know if you have HIV or HEP C so that you can get early medical treatment. There are many new drugs and treatments available and people can live longer and healthier lives.  Remember, we are still looking for a cure.