How are HIV test results treated in terms of privacy?

HIV test results are treated with a high degree of confidentiality to protect the individual's privacy and rights. This means that the information regarding an individual's HIV status is kept private and is only disclosed with the person's explicit consent or as required by law. Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in ensuring that individuals feel safe to seek testing and treatment for HIV without fear of stigma or discrimination.

In contrast, sharing test results with an employer, making them available online, or disclosing them to family members without consent would violate privacy rights and could lead to negative social, emotional, and professional consequences for the individual involved. Therefore, the proper approach is to ensure that such sensitive health information remains confidential.