Recognising an HIV infection can be challenging. HIV infection can be present in the body and go unnoticed for years. Nevertheless, there are characteristics that are good for your doctor or yourself to think about in terms of HIV. These are called HIV indicator conditions. These conditions are more commonly seen in people with HIV than in people without HIV. These conditions may indicate an undiscovered HIV infection.

In this section of the website, you can look up different types of HIV indicator conditions, such as herpes zoster (shingles), tuberculosis or an STD (for example, chlamydia or gonorrhoea). Of course, if you have an HIV indicator condition, it does not necessarily mean that you will also have HIV. However, it is recommended in the guidelines and by the World Health Organisation that you should be tested for HIV. An HIV test is refunded via health insurance (and is therefore free of charge) if your own risk money for that year has been used. If you have not yet reached your own risk limit, the cost of the HIV test will be charged to your insurance account.
 
Do you find it difficult to ask your GP or specialist for an HIV test? If so, you can download a specific conversation card for each condition with tips on how to approach this conversation. You can take this card with you on your next visit to the doctor.