Some factors that help the virus spread.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care. Certain groups face a higher likelihood of exposure and should be tested more frequently. Key risk factors and the populations that warrant regular screening include:

- Exposure to infected needles – health‑care workers, people who share injection equipment, or anyone who has a needlestick injury.

- Unprotected sex with partners of unknown or HIV‑positive status – this includes any sexual encounter without a condom or other barrier method.

- Presence of other infections – individuals with tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B or C, or any sexually transmitted infection (STI) are at increased risk.

- Injection drug use – using syringes or needles that have been previously used by someone else.

- Multiple sexual partners – having more than one sexual partner raises the chance of encountering HIV.

- Sex work – sex workers and their clients are at heightened risk due to the potential for frequent, unprotected sexual contacts.

- Recent STI diagnosis – a new sexually transmitted infection indicates possible exposure to HIV as well.

Regular testing for these higher‑risk groups helps ensure early detection, timely treatment and reduced transmission. If you belong to any of these categories, consider discussing a personalized testing schedule with your health care provider.