HIV is the virus that causes AIDS
HIV is passed from one person to another during unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom) with someone who has HIV. It can also be passed through contact with blood as in sharing needles (piercing, tattooing or injecting drugs of any kind) or sharing works with a person who has HIV.
HIV testing is important for your health
If you test result is negative, you can learn how to protect yourself from being infected in the future.
If your test result is positive:
- You can take steps to prevent passing the virus to others.
- You can receive treatment for HIV and learn about other ways to stay healthy. As part of treatment, additional tests will be done to determine the best treatment for you. These tests may include viral load and viral resistance tests.
Important Phone Numbers
NYCDOHMH HIV/AIDS Hotline
- 1.800.TALK.HIV (1.800.825.5448)
New York City Contact Notification Assistance Program
New York State HIV/AIDS Hotlines (toll-free)
Call the Hotlines for information about HIV and AIDS and to find HIV testing sites
- 1.800.541.AIDS (2437) - English
- 1.800.233.SIDA (7432) - Spanish
New York State TTY/TTD HIV/AIDS Information Line
Voice callers use the NY relay:
- 711 or 1.800.421.1220 and ask the operator for 1.212.925.9560
New York State HIV/AIDS Counseling Hotline
- New York State Confidentiality Hotline 1.800.962.5065
- Legal Action Center 220.127.116.113 or 1.800.223.4044
- New York State Division of Human Rights 1.800.523.2437
- New York City Commission on Human Rights 1.212.306.7500
* Above information is from the New York State Department of Health