Who Should Get Tested for HIV?

In the U.S.

• 1 in 4 people living with HIV is a woman

• 1 in 5 new HIV diagnoses is a woman

• Women of color — especially Black women — are at higher risk for HIV
• Almost 3 in 5 new HIV diagnoses in the U.S. are Black women

Testing helps stop the spread of HIV

Up to 4 out of 10 cases of HIV are spread by people who don’t know they have the virus.

Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes

Who should get screened for HIV and when?

According to the CDC:

• Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested for HIV at least once

• You should be screened at least once a year if:
• You've had anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV
• You've had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test
• You've shared needles, syringes or other drug injection equipment
• You've exchanged sex for drugs or money
• You've been diagnosed with or treated for any sexually transmitted infection (STI), hepatitis or tuberculosis (TB)
• You've had sex with someone who has done anything listed above
• You’ve had sex with someone whose sexual history you don’t know
• You are a man who has had sex with another man

• Pregnant people should get tested at least once during every pregnancy

How and where can you get screened for HIV?

You can get tested for HIV:

• At your healthcare provider’s office
• At your local hospital or public health clinic
• These locations often offer free or low-cost testing options
• With an HIV self-test that can be bought at a pharmacy or online

Find testing options in your area

Go to GetTested.cdc.gov to find local testing options.

Remember, knowledge is power

Knowing your HIV status can help you make good choices about your health.

Resources

GetTested

This educational resource was created with support from Merck.