HIV Testing

There are more tools to effectively prevent HIV than ever before. Since no single strategy provides complete protection or is right for all individuals, a combination of methods is needed to help reduce HIV transmission. CDC and its partners are currently pursuing a High-Impact Prevention approach to reducing the continued toll of HIV. This approach seeks to use the best mix of proven, cost-effective, and scalable interventions for high-risk populations and areas of the nation (see "Future of HIV Prevention" fact sheet for information).

This manual provides guidelines for treatment and health care maintenance of persons with HIV infection. It discusses testing and counseling, the initial evaluation of patients, initiating antiretroviral therapy, what drugs should be used, adverse reactions, and the issue of patient adherence to therapy. It also includes special considerations for treating pregnant women.