In this Q&A about HIV testing, Patrick Coleman, M.D., highlights the importance of knowing your HIV status.

Why is HIV testing so important?

HIV testing is important because it is so prevalent in the United States and worldwide. It is estimated that 1.2 million people in the U.S. are carrying the virus, and 13% of those people do not know. It is important to find out to get early treatment to stay healthy.

Georgia Highlights

• People living with an HIV or AIDS diagnosis in 2022 (the most recent statistical year as of 2024): 63,984
• New HIV diagnosis in 2022: 2,575
• 2022 deaths among those with HIV: 840 (NOTE: According to the Georgia Department of Health, less than half of those deaths were HIV related.)
• 2022 Gender identity: Cisgender male, 75%; Cisgender female, 23%; Transgender persons/Additional gender identity, 2%
• 2022 Race/Ethnicity: Black/non-Hispanic, 68%; White/non-Hispanic, 16%; Hispanic/Latino, 8%; Another racial/ethnic group, 6%
• 2022 HIV transmission category - Men
  • Male-to-male sexual contact: 63%
  • Heterosexual contact: 26%
  • Injection drug use: 5%
• 2022 HIV transmission category - Women
  • Heterosexual contact: 82%
  • Injection drug use: 16%

Source: Georgia HIV Surveillance Data - 2022, Georgia Department of Health

Is there more than one type of HIV test?

There is more than one type of HIV test, but the most common is the antigen/antibody test, which is a simple blood test. There is also a rapid antigen/antibody test that uses a finger stick. All these tests have high sensitivity, meaning the test will pick up more than 95% of positive cases.

Who should be tested for HIV?

Anyone who is sexually active should be tested yearly, regardless of their relationship status. People in higher-risk groups may need to be tested more frequently.

Why do you think some people are afraid to be tested?

Many people are afraid to be tested because they may be concerned about getting a positive result. The memory of inadequate medicine and poor outcomes lingers in many people’s minds, but that should no longer be true. Also, the social misunderstanding of people living with HIV could be a factor in someone's hesitation to be tested.

Isn’t it true that if someone does test positive for HIV, proper treatment and care can help them live long, healthy lives?

Yes. We now have many great and effective medicines that allow people living with HIV to live normal and healthy lives. HIV has become a chronic illness that we treat with medicines, much like diabetes or hypertension. As long as they manage this with medical compliance, they should live regular, healthy lives.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Please get tested!

For more information about HIV and Aids

visit www.AIDS.gov or www.cdc.gov/hiv. You can also call the Centers for Disease and Prevention CDC-INFO line at

1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)

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1-888-232-6348

CDC-INFO is staffed with people trained to answer your questions in a prompt and confidential manner in English or Spanish, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) Monday through Friday. Staff at CDC-INFO can offer a wide variety of written materials and put you in touch with organizations in your area that deal with HIV and AIDS.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Coleman or one of our other primary care providers. Save time, book online.