If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of questions about the “test and start” approach to HIV prevention. What is it? How does it work? Is it right for me?

The “test and start” approach to HIV prevention is a new way to help people at high risk for HIV infection stay safe. It involves getting tested for HIV regularly, and starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) right away if you test positive.

The idea behind “test and start” is that it’s better to prevent HIV infection before it happens. And starting ART immediately after infection can make it less likely that you’ll ever develop AIDS or pass HIV on to others.

“Test and start” is different from the traditional approach to HIV prevention, which recommends that people at high risk wait to start ART until they have symptoms of HIV infection. The problem with this approach is that it can take a long time for symptoms to appear—sometimes years. By that time, the virus has already done a lot of damage to your body.

“Test and start” is also different from “pre-exposure prophylaxis” (PrEP), which is a way to prevent HIV infection by taking a daily pill. PrEP is effective, but it’s not for everyone. Some people at high risk for HIV don’t want to take a daily pill, and others may not be able to afford it.

If you’re interested in “test and start,” talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider about whether it’s right for you.