Use the checklist below to see if things you do put you or others at risk for HIV. Ask yourself each question. Each time you answer yes, put a check mark in the box next to that question.
First, think about things you do or have done that might put you at risk for HIV.
Had sex with a man or a woman without using a latex condom (unprotected sex)
Been infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Had sex with someone infected with an STD
Had unprotected sex with many partners
Had anal sex without using a latex condom
Had unprotected sex while also using alcohol or other drugs
Used IV street drugs
Shared a needle or syringe with another person to do drugs
Had sex with someone who used IV street drugs
Had sex for drugs or money
Gotten a tattoo with a needle that was not sterilized
Received blood (transfusion) or had an organ transplant between the years 1978 and 1985
Next, think about your body. How do you feel? Do you have any signs or symptoms of illness? Signs of a health problem are things on your body a healthcare provider can see, feel, or find out through an exam or test. Symptoms are things you have to tell someone about.
Mouth sores
White patches in your mouth
Sores on or around your penis or vagina
Swollen glands in your neck, armpits, or groin
Fever
Low red blood cell count (anemia)
Rashes
Night sweats
Headaches you cannot explain
Weight loss without being on a diet
Dry cough
Tiredness no matter how much you sleep
Little hunger (loss of appetite)
Diarrhea
Itchy vagina with white discharge (yeast infection)
These signs and symptoms can be caused by different diseases or health conditions. But you now know they are also signs and symptoms of HIV. The more boxes you checked, the more important it is for you to be tested for HIV right away.
When it comes to HIV risk, what you do matters:
• Always use a latex condom
• Never share needles or syringes
• Get tested if you think you may be infected with HIV
Next >> Signs and symptoms of HIV