Close window
Labelling blood samples for testing at a clinic in the south-eastern province of Svay Rieng, Cambodia.
Also, if you have HIV and you do not know about it, you probably are not taking proper care of yourself and so are likely to become ill more quickly. If you know your status, you will know if you are at greater risk from infections, and what precautions need to be taken in terms of your general health, for instance paying attention to your diet and getting plenty of rest. You will also know if you need medicines that can reduce the levels of the virus in your body and bolster your immune system. And doctors, in many countries, will be able to monitor how your immune system is responding to the medicines. If you are a pregnant woman, medical care may be able to reduce the risk that your baby will become infected.