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Do I Need to Get Tested for HIV?
Many people look and feel healthy and do not think they are at risk. But the truth is that anyone of any age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or social or economic class can become infected. It is your actions (or the actions taken against you), that put you at risk.
Answer the following questions:
- Have you ever had vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom?
- Have you ever shared needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids or hormones)?
- Are you uncertain of your partner’s status or is your partner HIV+?
- Are you pregnant or considering becoming pregnant?
- Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
- Do you have hepatitis C (HCV)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should definitely get an HIV test.
When In Doubt, Test!
While we know that some types of sexual activities are much lower risk than others (with some activities only being a theoretical risk, not a proven risk) and the proven effectiveness of condoms, there are no guarantees. The fact is, it is very difficult to be 100% certain that you did not engage in any risk behaviour, especially if you have any sort of unprotected sexual activity with a person known to be HIV positive or you do not know what his or her HIV status is. Abstinence—or sexual activity only in a monogamous relationship in which both partners are HIV negative—is the only way to eliminate the risk of HIV infection.
The only way to know for sure whether you have been infected, even after an activity that is considered to be very low risk for HIV transmission, is to get tested. Also, if you've been infected with another STD, getting tested for HIV too is a really good idea.
It is important to note that HIV testing is not automatically anonymous - you will need to find a site that offers this service if you want an anonymous test.
HIV is a reportable disease in British Columbia. If your test is positive, your result will be reported locally to Public Health.
All persons testing for HIV must be offered the choice between nominal (using your name) and non-nominal options (using initials).
A public health nurse (or personal heathcare provider) will follow up each new HIV case to provide assistance with the voluntary process of partner notification and partner counselling.
* When inquiring about testing, make sure to ask if they provide pre and post test counselling.
Anonymous testing in Victoria:
Victoria STI Clinic
1947 Cook Street
info line: 250.388.2220
For anonymous HIV testing you will need to book an appointment, they will ask you for your first name and last initial only (or you can use a pseudonym ("fake" name)
phone: 250.388.2225
toll free: 1.866.665.6626
HIV clinic hours: Monday 10am - 2pm, Tuesday & Thursday 1pm - 4 pm.
Cool Aid Community Health Centre
713 Johnson Street
phone: 250.385.1466
HIV Rapid Test (Takes 2 minutes)
a joint project with AIDS Vancouver Island
Walk ins welcome
Monday - Thursday 10am - 4pm.
Friday 10am - 2pm
Saturday 10am -2pm
Confidential testing in Victoria BC is available at:
Island Sexual Health Society
For a complete list of STI/STD and HIV testing clinics in BC visit: www.stdresource.com
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