• Treatment options are available if positive although there is no effective cure.
• Testing is done at Health Services with a blood test and is typically resulted within 2 days.
• URI Health Promotion often offers free and anonymous HIV cheek swab testing 2-3 times a semester. Check our website for information on dates/times.
• The HIV test can be falsely negative soon after exposure, so repeat testing is needed if you have concern of exposure.
• Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) can reduce your chance of getting HIV if you feel you are at risk. Please call to schedule an appointment to discuss PrEP.
• HIV does not survive long outside of the human body (such as on surfaces).
• It is not transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks or other insects.
• It is not transmitted through saliva, tears or sweat.
• It is not transmitted by hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing dishes or closed mouth or “social” kissing with someone who has HIV.
• It is not transmitted through other sexual activities that don’t involve the exchange of body fluids (for example, touching).
• It is not transmitted through the air.