However, the virus may not show up in the blood of a newly infected person, so transfusions still present a small risk. If the screening test implies exposure to HIV, another test called the Western blot is used to confirm the diagnosis. Early detection of HIV infection allows a greater chance to preserve the immune system and prevent opportunistic infections. It also should alert the affected person to avoid risky behavior that could spread the disease. HIV testing can be done at most hospitals, clinics, or doctors' offices.
Anonymous testing is available to protect confidentiality.
Prevention is still the key No vaccine currently prevents HIV infection, and no cure is known at this time. The only prevention is avoiding risky behavior and ensuring that HIV-infected blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk does not enter your body. With this treatment, the number of AIDS-related deaths has dropped dramatically. However, the number of new cases has not fallen in recent years, possibly because the new treatment has caused many people to become complacent about risks. It is important to remember that this treatment is not a cure, and AIDS is far from conquered.