Sharing Your Test Result

Will other people know my HIV test result?

Your HIV test result is confidential, meaning only you and your healthcare provider will know your test result.

You have the right not to tell anyone else your test result if you do not want to.

If you have a positive test result and you are taking HIV medicine, your healthcare provider may need to tell your pharmacy or other healthcare providers about your test result if they think it will help you stay healthy. If you do not want your healthcare provider to share your test result with your pharmacy or other healthcare providers, you can tell them.

If you have a positive test result, your healthcare provider may be required to report your test result to the health department or other government agencies. Your name will not be used when reporting test results to government agencies.

Should I share my positive HIV test result with others?

It is a personal decision that you will need to make based on your own comfort level and the reactions of those you would be sharing this information with.

Partners

If you have HIV, you must tell your sexual or needle-sharing partners. This way, everyone can take steps to stay healthy. The more you talk about your HIV status, the easier it will get.

Family and Friends

If you have HIV, it's important to tell your family and friends so they can support you. Disclosure can also help you respond better to treatment.

Employers

Your employer cannot ask you if you have HIV, but they can ask you if you have any health conditions that would affect your job. If you have insurance through your employer, they might be able to find out that you have HIV, but the insurance company is not allowed to tell your employer.