Sexually Transmitted Infections Advice Positive Space Coalition of Peel

Advice

DROP-IN CLINIC HOURS
Peel Public Health, Healthy Sexuality Clinic
Brampton/Bramalea
150 Central Park Drive, Suite #9

WEDNESDAY’S
Starting February 6th
1:30 PM – 6:30 PM

STI TESTING & TREATMENT
BIRTH CONTROL
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVE PILL
PREGNANCY TESTING
HIV TESTING

Clients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
Although we do our best to see every client who attends the clinic,
Sometimes due to a high number of clients we may close earlier. We will be happy to book you an appointment.

No Ontario Health Card Required

All other clinic hours & services will continue by appointment only.
Please call 905-791-5905

Aids/HIV (Please note that the following information is from the following website: http://www.peelregion.ca/health/hsexual/htmfiles/stdhivai.htm#1)

How can a person become infected by the virus? • HIV is present in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. Through one of these body fluids, the virus must enter a break in the skin or be absorbed through mucous membranes (eg eyes, mouth) of another person to pass on the infection. HIV cannot be passed through casual contact such as hugging or kissing.

HIV is spread by: • sharing drug equipment, needles and/or syringes
• anal sex (penis in rectum)
• vaginal sex (penis in vagina)
• oral sex:
o if semen enters the mouth
o if menstrual blood/vaginal fluids contact the mouth
o sores present on the mouth or genitals may increase the risk of transmission
• sharing sex toys
• an infected mother to her unborn or breastfed baby
• unsterile equipment for tattooing, electrolysis, ear/body piercing, acupuncture
• receiving donated organs and semen before July 1987 when screening began in Canada
• receiving blood or blood products before November 1985 when screening began in Canada

HIV cannot be spread by: • casual, every day contact
• shaking hands
• hugging, kissing
• coughing, sneezing
• giving blood
• using swimming pools, toilet seats
• sharing bed linen, eating utensils or food
• mosquitos or other insects, animals
• It is important to avoid exposure to another sexually transmitted infection (STI). Having an STI can weaken your body’s natural protection and increase your chances of becoming infected with HIV if you are exposed to the virus.

Testing • A blood test is done to find antibodies to HIV. Testing is not advised until 3 months after the last possible exposure to the virus, as it can take that long for antibodies to develop in the body. This time is called the window period.
• All HIV testing is confidential. It can also be done anonymously at Peel Health department clinics. Only clinic staff has access to these files. Your date of birth and identification number is used on the lab slip. Blood is sent to the Ministry of Health lab for testing.

Test Results • The results of the test will be given in person only and not over the phone.
• A negative test means you do not have the antibodies now. If it has been less than 3 months you should consider retesting. If it has been 3 months after your last exposure and your test is negative, you do not have HIV. If you engage in high risk activities, you may become infected with the virus at any time. It is important to talk to your partner(s) to determine their HIV test status and if it was outside the 3 month window period.
• A positive test means that you have antibodies for HIV. You do not AIDS. No one knows when someone infected with the virus will develop AIDS. An early diagnosis allows you to get medical advice and earlier treatment. People who are HIV positive can pass the virus to others. Your sexual partners must be told of your infection so that they can be tested. You may want to share this information with anyone else who is exposed to your body fluids, such as doctors and dentists.

Precautions: • Regardless of test results, precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of getting HIV.
• Precautions include:
o using lubricated condoms for vaginal sex
o using non-lubricated condoms for oral sex on a man
o using a latex barrier (called a dam) or a condom cut length-wise for oral sex on a woman
o using condoms with extra lubricant for anal sex
o limiting the number of sex partners
o not sharing needles, syringes, drug equipment or sex toys

For more information • Sexual Health Info-Line (905) 799-7700
• Your Local AIDS Organization (Peel HIV/AIDS Network (905) 362-2025)
visit our web site http://www.phan.ca

• Peel Works Needle Exchange Program (647) 225-1623
• AIDS hotlines
• your doctor
• your local Health Sexuality Clinic
• Canadian HIV/AIDS Clearinghouse 400-1565 Carling Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 8R1
Fax: (613) 725-1205
Phone: 1-877-999-7740

Remember • Use a condom to help prevent the spread of STI, HIV and Hepatitis B.

Positive Space Coalition of Peel

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