What if I'm negative?

If your test is negative, you were either not infected with HIV, or you have been infected with HIV, but your body has not yet produced enough HIV Antibodies for the test to detect them in your blood.


If you had an unprotected sexual encounter or shared needles with anybody within the three months prior to your test, you can talk to your doctor or HIV Counselor about when you should be re-tested. During the time you are waiting to be retested, it is recommended that you abstain from sex or use a new barrier/condom with each sexual act during this time. It is also recommended that you refrain from sharing needles during drug use.


If your last unprotected sexual encounter or needle-sharing encounter was more than three months before your test and your test is negative, you now have the ability to remain negative by obtaining education on how to participate in safer sex practices. Visit the CDC to learn about safer sex practices.

Show All Answers

1. What is HIV?
2. How is HIV transmitted?
3. How can HIV be prevented?
4. Who is at risk for HIV?
5. How do I know if I am infected?
6. If I think I have been exposed to HIV, how soon can I get tested?
7. What if I'm positive?
8. What if I'm negative?
9. If I test HIV negative, does that mean that my partner is HIV negative also?
10. What if I was exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours?
11. How do I prove to my partner that I am HIV negative?
12. If somebody did not tell me that they have HIV can they be arrested?
13. Is there a website or database where I can look up my partner to see if they are HIV+?
14. I did not get tested at the Health Department, why are you trying to contact me?
15. I am HIV+ but don’t have insurance. Is there any help for me?
16. I am HIV+ but don’t want to tell my partner. What can I do?
17. If I’m HIV+ and my partner is too, why do we still need to use condoms?
18. People who have HIV look sick, so can’t you tell if somebody has it just by looking at them?
19. I was just told that I have HIV but I feel healthy. Why do I need to see a doctor now, can’t I wait?
20. I know I’m not at risk for HIV so I don’t need to get tested, right?
21. I don’t want to get tested because my insurance will kick me off.