HIV is caused from a virus that is passed from human to human through unprotected sex with someone who is infected with HIV. If you have had recent unprotected sex with anyone and that person was infected, then you could have HIV. HIV infection is mainly transmitted as a sexually transmitted disease by both hetero and homo sexual contact. Transmission can also occur through blood and blood products; and by infected mothers to infants. More than 20 years of intense study shows there is no evidence that HIV is transmitted by casual contact or that the virus can be spread by insects, such as mosquitos. Early infection with HIV is flu-like in symptoms. Patients may remain asymptomatic for approximately a year. Due to the severe depression in the immune system caused by HIV opportunistic infections occur. Diagnosis of HIV infection is dependent on the presence of antibodies to HIV. Antibodies appear approximately 2 to 12 weeks post infection. The standard screening test for HIV infection is ELISA (blood test). You need to see a physician/health care individual for testing for HIV and I would also recommend testing for other STDs. Most health care clinics will test for HIV and other STDs upon request and confidentally. Be well, Dr. Kimberly