Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. The immune system helps your body fight off infections. If your immune system becomes weak, it is harder to stay healthy.
Protect yourself. Protect others. Get tested.
Anyone can get HIV no matter their age, gender or background.
Knowing if you have HIV is the most powerful thing you can do in reducing the spread of HIV. It means you can seek treatment and protect yourself and your partner or partners.
If HIV is present in your body, you can pass it on to other people even if you feel perfectly healthy.
HIV can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if not treated. There is no cure for HIV, but medication can contain it. Many people who are diagnosed early and take their medication can live long and healthy lives. The virus can become undetectable in people who are on treatment and as a result the virus will not be transmitted to others: Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).
HIV Testing
HIV is preventable. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. It is a simple blood test. The HIV test is an anti-body test. The body makes antibodies in response to infections. HIV antibodies are usually detected in the blood within 12 weeks after you have been infected with HIV.
Standard Testing: The standard HIV test is a blood test done at a clinic or lab by a healthcare professional. These results will confirm if you have HIV. It may take up to two weeks to get the standard HIV test results.
HIV Self-Test Kits: HIV self-test kits are a safe and reliable way to test yourself for HIV. You can do the test yourself, and get your results in just one minute, at a time and location that is convenient for you. If you get a positive result, reach out to a medical professional for next steps.
For a list of testing and access to self-testing kit locations throughout Saskatchewan, visit Find HIV testing locations under Government of Saskatchewan’s website.
Prince Albert and Area Testing
You can visit one of the following locations to get tested or pick up self-testing kits
- Access Place
101 15th Street East
Phone: 306-765-6544 - Prince Albert Metis Women’s Association
Suite 8, 54 10th Street East
Phone: 306-763-5356
HIV Treatment
With proper treatment and care, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives and reduce HIV transmission. HIV treatment is highly effective and starting medication as soon as possible after diagnosis is recommended. Side effects are usually mild. Making sure to take medication as scheduled reduces the risk of drug resistance and treatment failure and helps to ensure the virus becomes undetectable and untransmissible (U=U).
Additional Information Resources
The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) is Canada's leading source for HIV and hepatitis C information. Refer to the CATIE website for the most up-to-date information regarding HIV treatment.
More information on HIV and HIV testing, treatment and support can be found on Government of Saskatchewan’s website under HIV.
