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Should I take the test? Sometimes people ask if they should take the test which tells if they have been exposed to HIV. Recent gains in medical care for people with HIV have increased the benefit of knowing if you are infected even before you begin having symptoms of illness. If you would like to have children, you and your partner may want to know if either is already HIV infected before conceiving. Learning that you are HIV infected can be scary, but knowing that you are HIV infected can not only help in your own medical treatment, but help in planning, such as whether or not to have children. There are other things to consider as well, things like making changes in behavior which put you at risk. Everyone ought to know his/her own HIV status; the only way to learn your status is to take the test. Since HIV counseling is provided with the HIV testing at DPHSS, you can talk to a counselor before you take the test. Call the AIDS Unit at DPHSS (734­2437) for more information about HIV testing and ask whether it makes sense for you to be tested. The testing is free. You have the option of asking for confidential or anonymous testing. Anonymous testing means that you don't have to give your name. Think about taking the HIV antibody test. It might set your mind at ease. More importantly, what you learn in the process might keep you from becoming HIV infected.