When your provider tells you that you have HIV, it means that you have been infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). However, the HIV test does not tell you if you have AIDS, how long you have been infected or how sick you might be. Soon after your diagnosis, your provider will run other tests to determine your overall health, and the condition of your immune system. For descriptions of these tests, go to Understanding Laboratory Tests.

Learn about HIV

The more you learn about HIV, the better you will be at making decisions about your health. You don't have to learn everything all at once. It is important to go at a pace that is comfortable for you.

There are many ways to learn about HIV:

1. Start with the Basics section of this site and read through all the sections.
2. Read information online. Remember that there is a lot of internet information that can be inaccurate or misleading. Be sure to look for reputable sites whose content can be trusted. Check out government or nonprofit educational organizations that deal with HIV issues. You can find a list of them on the Resources page at the end of this section.
3. Use your local library: The most current information may be in the library's collection of newspapers, journals and magazines.
4. Check with your local VA medical center to see if there is an on-site library where you can find patient materials on HIV. Your provider will also likely have handouts to share with you.