In the United States, one in four people living with HIV are women. Black women face disproportionately high rates, accounting for nearly three in five new diagnoses.
The CDC urges all individuals aged 13 to 64 to get tested for HIV at least once. Annual testing is recommended for those who: have had unprotected vaginal or anal sex with someone with HIV; have multiple sexual partners since their last test; shared needles; exchanged sex for drugs or money; have been diagnosed with another STI, hepatitis, or tuberculosis; or are men who have sex with men.
Pregnant women should be tested during every pregnancy.
Testing is available at medical offices, public health clinics, and via FDA-approved at-home kits-many offering free or low-cost options.
Early detection enables effective treatment and prevents transmission.
