Confidential HIV testing involves recording and confidentially reporting names of those who test positive to public health authorities. Laboratory staff and, in some states, state health department personnel will have access to test results. If you sign a release form to have your physician notified, the results will become part of your medical record. In this case, the information may be seen by health care workers, insurers or employers. Your status may also become known if you make a health insurance claim or apply for life or disability insurance.
Confidential testing is available in all states.
If you test positive for HIV, early medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well, delay the onset of AIDS, and prevent some life-threatening conditions. See a doctor, even if you do not feel sick. There are many drugs to treat HIV infection which may help you maintain your health. Seek counseling to help deal with the news and join a support group. Get tested for tuberculosis and hepatitis C. Undetected cases can cause serious illness, but they can be successfully treated if caught early.