Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - Public Information - Publications - HIV / AIDS : Should you be tested for HIV or AIDS ?

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HIV / AIDS : Should you be tested for HIV or AIDS ?

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"Should you be tested for HIV or AIDS ?"

Have you ever had sex with someone infected with HIV/AIDS ?
Have you ever had anal sex ?
Have you shared needles to take drugs or other substances ?
Are you uncertain about your sexual partners' sex practices or drug use ?
Have you had sexually transmitted diseases ?

If you answered "yes" to any of those questions, you may want to be tested.

"What's in it for me ? Why should I be tested ?"

To protect your health. If you don't have HIV, you will be able to stop worrying and take steps to protect yourself. If you do have HIV, you can take steps to maintain your health. There is no cure yet for AIDS, but there are treatments you can use to keep from getting HIV-related diseases and to delay the spread of the virus in your body. You can make changes in your life to help you stay healthy. Many people who were diagnosed in the early stages of HIV infection are still alive more than 10 years later, and living healthy lives. The most important thing is to be tested and find out early - before you become ill.

"I don't want to be tested because I don't think I could deal with knowing I have HIV."

It's better to find out now. It's easier to cope with HIV when you are healthy than when you are ill. You can also take advantage of support and other services that will help you cope with HIV. You don't have to deal with it alone.

The counselling that is part of the HIV test will give you the information and support you need to assess your risk and deal with test results. Make sure you get the counselling and information you need before you agree to be tested.

"I don't want to be tested, because I don't want people to find out. I'm afraid of discrimination."

You can call the number listed below for an appointment for anonymous testing. All you have to give is a first name. At no time will your name be requested, recorded or reported;
Or you can ask your doctor, or public health unit, for confidential HIV testing.

"Is it time to take the test ?"

If you are worried about HIV or AIDS... if you have done anything to put yourself at risk... it may be time to take the test. For yourself. For your health.

Special note for women :

Remember : It's hard to know for sure about your partners' sex or drug use activities. If you have had either vaginal or anal sex with someone who could answer "yes" to any of the questions on this page... you could be at risk. You may want to be tested.

For more information

For the number for the anonymous
testing program in your area :

Call :
Ontario AIDS hot line at 1-800-668-2437
(English and 15 other languages)
or (French) at 1-800-267-7432.
In Toronto : 416-392-2437
In Ottawa : (English) (613) 563-2437
In Ottawa : (French) (613) 563-7432
or
Talk to your doctor, local public health unit, or
local community-based AIDS organization.

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