Should you be retested after first hiv test?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once. If you are in a high-risk group, such as men who have sex with men, injection drug users, or people with multiple sexual partners, you should get tested more frequently.

If you test negative for HIV, you do not need to be retested unless you have a new risk factor. If you test positive for HIV, you will need to be retested to confirm the diagnosis and to monitor your viral load.

How often you should be retested after an initial positive HIV test will depend on your individual circumstances. Your doctor will recommend a testing schedule that is right for you.

In general, people with HIV should be retested:

* Every 3 to 6 months for the first year after diagnosis

* Every 6 to 12 months after the first year

* More frequently if your viral load is high or if you are not taking medication

Retesting is important because it can help you to track your viral load and to make sure that your treatment is working. It can also help you to identify any new risk factors that you may have for HIV transmission.

If you have any questions about HIV testing, talk to your doctor.