This result means that your body’s response to HIV (antibodies) were not detected and your HIV status is negative. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV in the last 3 months, you could be in the window period. This is the period before antibodies can be detected by the test, and we recommend you test again 3 months after the exposure. Regular testing for HIV is encouraged for people who are sexually active or use injection drugs. Remember, you can order up to 3 self-test kits using the Health Connect Jamaica Virtual app for pick up or delivery!
Taking steps to protect yourself and your partner(s) from HIV
HIV is preventable and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your partner(s). Clinical evidence shows that condom use for sex (anal or vaginal), Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) are all effective HIV prevention strategies. If you feel comfortable and safe to do so, talking with your partners about each of your HIV statuses and discussing prevention strategies together can also help. For more information you can call us using WhatsApp (876-308-0198) or at our Health Connect Jamaica office, 876-669-7349. You can also access our Health Connect Jamaica Virtual app to make an appointment with a peer navigator.
About Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
Taking PrEP, a daily medication to help prevent HIV infection, may be a good fit for you if your status is negative and you think that you are at risk for HIV. To find out more about whether PrEP is right for you, you can call us using WhatsApp (876-308-0198) or at our Health Connect Jamaica office, 876-669-7349. You can also access our Health Connect Jamaica Virtual app to make an appointment with a peer navigator.
There may be options available to you to take PrEP on demand, but it is only effective for anal sex and not vaginal sex. Taking PrEP also involves seeing a doctor or nurse every three months for HIV testing, screening for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), monitoring for possible side effects, and ongoing support. Note that PrEP only helps to prevent HIV and it does not protect against other STIs (such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis) or other infections (such as hepatitis A, B and C). It also does not prevent pregnancy.
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 (HIV PEP), a 4-week course of medications that you can take if you are HIV negative and think you have been recently exposed. This treatment can prevent HIV infection and is more effective the earlier it is started. For PEP to be effective, a person must take the full course of PEP drugs.
Support is available
If you want to speak to someone about HIV self-test results or prevention measures like PrEP or PEP, you can you can call us using WhatsApp (876-308-0198) or at our Health Connect Jamaica office, 876-669-7349. You can also access our Health Connect Jamaica Virtual app to make an appointment with a peer navigator.