Should you be tested for HIV/AIDS?

Find out. Testing is free. It can be anonymous.

You may want to get tested if you answer Yes to any of these questions.

Have you ever:

• Had unprotected anal or vaginal sex?
• Shared needles to inject drugs, steroids or something else?
• Been unsure about your sex partners' sexual or drug use history?

The decision to be tested can be difficult and getting tested can be stressful. You can talk to a counsellor on the AIDS Information Line or at the test site to help you decide.

Remember: it's hard to know for sure about your partners' sex or drug use activities. If you have had anal or vaginal sex with someone who could answer "yes" to any of the questions above... you could be at risk.

Why should I be tested?

If you have done anything to put yourself at risk it may be time to take the test. For yourself...for your health...to learn how to protect yourself and others in the future.

If you don't have HIV, you can stop worrying and take steps to protect yourself.

If you do have HIV, you can take steps to maintain your health. There is no cure yet for AIDS, but there are treatments to keep you from getting HIV-related diseases and to delay the spread of the virus in your body. Many people who were diagnosed in the early stages of HIV infection are still alive more than 10 years later, and living healthy lives.

I don’t want to be tested because I don't think I could deal with knowing I have HIV.

It's better to find out now. It's easier to cope with HIV when you are healthy than when you are ill. There are support services that can help you cope with HIV. You don't have to deal with it alone.

The counselling that is part of the HIV test will give you the information and support you need to assess your risk and deal with test results. Make sure you get the counselling and information you need before you agree to be tested.

I don't want to be tested, because I don't want people to find out.

Anonymous testing is now available in New Brunswick. Anonymous testing is different than confidential and regular (non-confidential) testing.

For Anonymous Testing:

• You do NOT give your name.
• Information is not kept that links your name to your test or your results.
• Your results won't show up on your medical records unless you choose to tell your doctor.

Not all testing sites can do anonymous testing. If you book an appointment, make sure you ask what type of testing is available and how your results will be kept.

• Acadian Peninsula: 336-3321
• Bathurst: 547-2140
• Campbellton: 789-2559
• Edmundston: 735-2626
• Fredericton: 453-5200 | Upper Valley call: 1-888-829-6444
• Miramichi: 778-6877
• Moncton: 869-6907
• Saint-Jean: 643-7404

Anonymous testing is available through Sexual Health Centres in each health region in New Brunswick.

For more information, call STI Info Line 1-877-STI-1010