Abesha Care HIV/AIDS Initiative

If I test HIV negative, does that mean that my sex partner is
HIV negative also?

No. Your HIV test result reveals only your HIV status. Your negative
test result does not indicate whether or not your partner has HIV.
HIV is not necessarily transmitted every time you have sex.
Therefore, your taking an HIV test should not be seen as a method
to find out if your partner is infected.

Ask your partner if he or she has been tested for HIV and what risk
behaviors he or she has engaged in, both currently and in the past.
Think about getting tested together.

It is important to take steps to reduce your risk of getting HIV. Not
having (abstaining from) sex is the most effective way to avoid HIV.
If you choose to be sexually active, having sex with one person who
only has sex with you and who is uninfected is also effective. If you
are not sure that both you and your partner are HIV negative, use a
latex condom to help protect both you and your partner from HIV
and other STDs. Studies have shown that latex condoms are very
effective, though not 100%, in preventing HIV transmission when
used correctly and consistently. If either partner is allergic to latex,
plastic (polyurethane) condoms for either the male or female can be
used.