30 Things You Need to Know About HIV

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1. I just tested positive for HIV. Could it be a mistake?

Although false-positives aren’t common you should have a confirmatory test, basically a second test to verify your results. The likelihood of two false positives is extremely rare. If you took the at-home test, it’s a good idea to have a doctor or clinic run the second test.

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1. I just tested positive for HIV. Could it be a mistake?

2. My partner’s test was negative, are they in the clear?

3. How did I get HIV?

4. Is it my fault?

5. But I thought “tops” can’t get HIV?

6. Is it true that a lot of people with HIV also have hepatitis C?

7. Does being HIV-positive mean I also have AIDS?

8. Am I going to die?

9. What if I’m black, or trans, or live in the South?

10. When should I start treatment?

11. Do I have to take antiretrovirals every day?

12. Does a positive HIV test mean I have to stop having sex?

13. How do I protect my sexual partners?

14. What is “Treatment as Prevention?”

15. What is PrEP?

16. Do I have to disclose?

17. Will I need to use a condom forever?

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19. What about oral sex

20. Can I still have kids?

21. How much do I need to tell health care workers offering me nonsurgical treatment?

22. Will being HIV-positive affect my ability to undergo gender confirmation surgery, plastic surgery, or gastric bypass surgery?

23. What about hormone therapy for transgender people (or post-menopausal women)? Do HIV meds interfere with estrogen or testosterone levels?

24. Do I need a special doctor for my HIV-related issues?

25. How do I find support centers or support groups near me?

26. If for some reason I’m bleeding, do I need to worry about people who are helping me?

27. How do I answer when people ask, ‘Can you get HIV from...’?

28. Is there a cure?

29. It’s been 30 years, why isn’t there a cure yet?

30. What will it take for a cure?