HIV Counseling and Testing
HIV Antibody Test
This is not a test for AIDS. This test looks for antibodies to HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HIV (the AIDS virus) is in
- A male's semen (cum and pre-cum) A female's vaginal secretions
- Blood
How People Become Infected with HIV:
During sex with a person who has the virus. This includes:
- Rectal sex (penis in butt); considered high risk even with a condom.
- Vaginal sex (penis in female's vagina).
- Oral sex (penis in mouth, mouth on vagina, "blow jobs", "going down").
When sharing needles ("works") with a person who has HIV.
- "Works" get blood in them, and blood could have HIV in it.
A female who has HIV can pass the virus to her baby if she becomes pregnant.
YOU DO NOT GET HIV FROM TOILET SEATS, SHAKING HANDS, TOUCHING DOORKNOBS OR ANY OTHER KIND OF CASUAL CONTACT.
Should you have this test?
You should if you:
- Are a male and have ever had sex with a male. Shared "works" to inject drugs. Had sex with more than one person. Have ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) like gonorrhea (clap), syphilis, herpes, etc. Are a female and have ever had sex with a bisexual male (a male who has ever had sex with both males and females). Had sex for money or drugs.
- Got a blood transfusion or blood products between 1978 and 1985.
If you have a positive test
You have been infected with HIV. We don't know if everyone who has the virus will develop AIDS.
- Some people may and some may not
- If you have HIV you may not develop AIDS for many years
You can get help to learn how to live with HIV. You can pass HIV to other people
- By having sex By sharing "works"
- By getting pregnant and passing the virus to the baby.
Consider who you might need to notify. People with whom you have had sex or shared "works" need to know they may also be infected with HIV. The Health Department can help.
If you have a negative test
You are not immune. You might not have HIV.
You can have a negative test but still have HIV
- If you had sex or shared "works" with someone in the last six months
- You could still pass HIV to other people if you do not use protection.
How can you reduce your risk?
Assume that everyone has HIV, because most people who have it don't know. Don't expect someone else to protect you or make decisions for you. Stay in charge. People may try to talk you into things you are not comfortable doing. Make open and honest sex talks a natural part of getting to know your partner. Reduce the number of people you have sex with, and use a condom for protection every time you have sex (vaginal, oral, and rectal).
Think about and try some of the many things which can be sexually satisfying, but help you avoid another person's semen, vaginal secretions, or blood:
* hugging * fondling * petting * masturbation* body massage * kissing * cuddling * mutual masturbation
Remember that any drug, including alcohol, changes the way you make decisions. If you use drugs, think seriously about getting treatment. Avoid shooting drugs; if you do, never share "works". If you ever share "works", always clean them with soapy water before and after using them; this reduces your risk.
There could still be some HIV there; even when "works" are cleaned, there is no guarantee.
Condoms (rubbers) can be an enjoyable part of sex
Use a condom every time, for all kinds of sex (oral, vaginal or rectal).Use latex condoms, NOT sheepskin or natural membrane. Keep condoms out of the heat. Don't carry in wallet a long time. Before you put on the condom, gently squeeze the tip to make a place for the "cum". Put condom on before pre-cum leaks out. Use water-based lubricants (like K-Y Jelly)* Do not use oil-based lubricants like Vaseline, Crisco or hand lotion (oil ruins condoms).Take penis out while it is still hard (so condom doesn't come off inside your partner).Condoms are not 100% safe. Putting spermicide inside a condom does not help.* If the condom breaks, semen (and any HIV) would reach the vagina, rectum or mouth before the spermicide could spread out to protect a person
Some people get sores or a rash from spermicides, making it easier for HIV to infect someone
IF YOU HAVE DONE THINGS WHICH PUT YOU AT RISK FOR HIV INFECTION, DO NOT DONATE BLOOD, SPERM, TISSUE, BODY ORGANS, OR BREAST MILE (EVEN IF YOU TEST NEGATIVE).CONFIDENTIALITY:Results of the test for HIV will only be given to you in person, not over the phone or through the mail. This will be done to protect confidentiality and to give us more time to talk with you about your test. Confidentiality in Oklahoma means it is against the law to release the results of your test to anyone other than the State Health Department without your consent. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS AND TO LOCATE A FREE TEST SITE CALL:
Oklahoma AIDS Hotline: 1-800-535-AIDS
Spanish AIDS Hotline: 1-800-344-SIDA
Indian AIDS Hotline: 1-800-283-AIDS
OSDH, HIV/STD Service Revised 3/97
OSDH Form P-215