HIV testing includes pretest counseling and an explanation of the benefits of testing. You may want to seek anonymous testing. When you undergo anonymous testing, you're identified only by number, and you're the only one who finds out the test results. Home test kits are available but with home kits, there's no post-test counseling if the results come back positive. Treatment is complex but is shown to prolong life.
Healthcare providers try to help prevent other infections such as pneumonia.
Women infected with HIV can pass the virus to their babies during pregnancy or birth or through breast milk. Latex condoms have been shown to prevent HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. Personal items such as razors and toothbrushes also may be blood-contaminated, and shouldn't be shared. It's important to know that HIV is not passed by everyday social contact. Touching, hugging, and shaking hands with an infected person is safe.