HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus that can weaken your immune system, the body’s built-in defence against disease and illness. HIV is transmitted by blood, semen, vaginal fluids, anal fluids and breast milk. You can have HIV without knowing it—that’s why it’s so important to get tested.
For people who test positive, effective treatment is a great HIV prevention tool that saves lives and prevents HIV transmission. With effective treatment, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives.
Consider getting support with pre-test counselling
Many people find pre-test counselling and support helpful when they’re deciding to know their status. If you want to talk to someone there are resources available to support you and answer your questions.
To speak to someone about self-testing, you can visit the Health Connect Jamaica website or contact us via WhatsApp (876-308-0198) or call our offices at 876-669-7349. You can also access our Health Connect Jamaica Virtual app to make an appointment with a peer navigator.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) can help before the next time you are exposed
PrEP is a daily medication to prevent HIV infection. If you’re HIV negative and at risk, get connected to PrEP by talking to our Peer Navigators, call Health Connect Jamaica (876-669-7349), or book an appointment through our website (www.healthconnectja.com).
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) can help within 72 hours of exposure
If you are concerned about a recent exposure to HIV within the last 72 hours, you can go to a hospital emergency department to ask about HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This is a 4-week course of medications that you can take if you are HIV negative and think you have been recently exposed. PEP can prevent HIV infection and is more effective the earlier it is started.
Before you use the test kit
Before you begin the HIV self-testing (HIVST) procedure, read instructions that come with the test kit carefully or watch the instructional video. If you feel that HIVST is not right for you, there are other testing options you can choose depending on where you live, including lab testing or point of care testing. Visit our website to book you FREE lab testing or contact us via WhatsApp (876-308-0198) or call our offices at 876-669-7349 to find out more about HIV testing options.
Considering a positive result before you test
If you get a positive result, this means you are likely living with HIV, but while highly accurate, this test you are about to take is only a screening test and all positive results need to be confirmed by another test at a lab. Visit our website (www.healthconnectja.com) to book you FREE lab testing or contact us via WhatsApp (876-308-0198) or call our offices at 876-669-7349 to find out more about other HIV testing options. Learn more on our page about getting a positive result.
Considering a negative result before you test
If your result is negative, this means that your body’s response to HIV (antibodies) was not detected. If you think you may have had any exposure in the last 3 months, you could be in the window period. This is the period before HIV can be detected by the test, and we recommend you test again 3 months after the exposure. Testing for HIV every year is encouraged for people who are sexually active. Learn more on our page about getting a negative result.
The results of your HIV self-test are yours alone
Before taking the test, you may want to think about if you want to talk to somebody about your results and who that could be. You can choose to share with partners, family members and social connections, or keep them to yourself—the choice is yours. Regardless of your results, there are things you can do to treat or prevent HIV and Health Connect Jamaica is always here to support you.
Support is available
To speak to someone about self-testing or your test result, contact Health Connect Jamaica via WhatsApp (876-308-0198) or call our offices at 876-669-7349 you can also access our Health Connect Jamaica Virtual app to make an appointment with a peer navigator.