Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system. The immune system is the part of the body that fights infection and disease. There is no cure for HIV, but lifelong treatment with medications called highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) means that people with HIV can live a healthy, long and active life.
Without treatment, HIV infection may become a serious disease called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS occurs when a person’s immune system has been severely weakened by HIV. Having HIV does not mean that you have AIDS.
HIV is found in body fluids, such as blood, semen, human milk, and fluids from the vagina and anus. HIV can be transmitted by:
When a person first contracts HIV, there is a lot of virus in their body, which makes it easier to pass it to other people. You can greatly reduce your risk of transmitting HIV to others by taking antiretroviral medications. These medications lower the amount of HIV in the body so much that it can become undetectable, which means there is almost no chance of passing it to others.
You cannot get HIV through casual contact, such as sharing food or drinks, insect bites, hugging or kissing.
Symptoms of HIV vary depending on the stage of infection. In the first few weeks after infection, some people have flu-like symptoms. This may include fever, headache, muscle or joint soreness, swollen glands, sore throat or rash.
The only way to know if you have HIV is to have your blood tested.
If you have been exposed to HIV, there are different ways it can be detected in a test. One type of test looks for antibodies, which are proteins your body makes when exposed to HIV. However, this test may not detect a very recent infection. The other type of test looks for a part of the virus itself (called a p24 antigen) before the antibodies develop, which can show either an “acute” or early infection. If either of these are found, the test result is called “reactive” or positive, meaning HIV is present.
There are two ways to test for HIV. One is a standard laboratory test done using a blood sample taken from your arm or another part of your body. The result is available in 1 to 2 weeks.
The second type of HIV test is a called a point-of-care (POC) test. This type of test uses a drop of blood taken from your finger. The result is available at the time of testing. When a point-of-care test indicates that HIV antibodies may be present, a standard laboratory test is required to confirm HIV infection.
Having an HIV test and knowing your test result can help you to make decisions about your health. If HIV is diagnosed early, antiretroviral therapy can slow or stop the damage to the immune system.
HIV testing guidelines in B.C. recommend that everyone aged 18 to 70 years have an HIV test every 5 years. They recommend more frequent testing for people who:
It is your choice to have an HIV test. Talk to your health care provider if you have any concerns or questions about the HIV test or your HIV test results. For more information about HIV testing and to find a clinic or location to test, visit SmartSexResources: https://smartsexresource.com/.
You can get a laboratory requisition for an HIV test through your primary care provider, at a walk-in clinic, or by visiting one of the clinics listed on the SmartSexResource clinic finder: https://smartsexresource.com/clinics-testing. At some clinics, you may be able to test on-site at the time of your visit.
You can access HIV testing directly at certain lab locations in B.C. For more information, visit GetCheckedOnline: https://getcheckedonline.com, or Interior Health - Accessing On Demand STI Testing: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/services/on-demand-sti-testing
You can test at home with a self-test kit. HIV self-testing provides results in under 20 minutes and allows people to test where they are most comfortable without the assistance of a health care provider. You can purchase a self-test kit through several online retailers or at select physical pharmacies. Self-tests are screening tools. A positive result should be verified with a laboratory-based blood test.
If your HIV test is negative and it has been more than 3 months since you may have been exposed to HIV, then it means that you likely do not have HIV. If it has been less than 3 months since you may have been exposed, it may be too early for the test to detect the antibodies. You will need to have a second test after the 3 months have passed to be sure.
Although HIV is considered a life-long infection, you can still live a healthy, long and active life. Getting early and ongoing treatment and health care is important if you test positive. Talk to your health care provider about support, health care and antiretroviral medications. For more information, visit CATIE, Canada's source for HIV and hepatitis C information, It’s all still possible: Starting points for living well with HIV: www.catie.ca/its-all-still-possible-starting-points-for-living-well-with-hiv
In B.C., positive HIV test results are shared with public health authorities, in a confidential manner, to ensure that you and your partner(s) are offered support and follow-up.
Some clinics allow you to test using a code, initials, or an alias rather than your full legal name. This is called non-nominal testing and is currently being offered at a limited number of sites in B.C. For more information, visit:
Laboratory test results are kept in the provincial laboratory database. Your HIV test results may also be stored in your electronic health record within your health authority. Health care providers who are providing you with care will be able to see portions of your health care record. How much a health care provider can see of your record depends on their role. Health care providers who are not providing you with care will not be able to access your record.
People living with HIV can no longer transmit the virus when on treatment and their viral load is undetectable, which equals untransmittable (U=U). If you are living with HIV and are sexually active or use injection drugs, it is important to tell your sexual partner(s) and anyone who may have shared your drug-using equipment. This allows them to make informed decisions about their health and consider getting tested and treatment if needed.
You can prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections by doing the following:
To reduce your risk of HIV infection, you can take antiretroviral drugs (known as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP) if you don’t have HIV but are at risk of HIV infection.
If you believe you have been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours, 5-day HIV PEP starter kits are available in hospital Emergency Departments and some community clinics and health centres throughout the province.
For more information on how you can reduce your chance of getting an STI, visit HealthLinkBC File #08o Preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Call toll-free in B.C., 8-1-1, or 7-1-1 for the deaf and hard of hearing to get personalized assistance. Speak to a navigator who can guide you to reliable health information or connect you with a health professional. Translation services are available in over 130 languages.
