If you think something you have done has put you at risk of HIV, you can have a blood test to look for antibodies to the virus.

It takes about six weeks after infection for your body to develop antibodies to HIV, so a test today will not tell you if you have HIV right now, but only whether you did or didn’t have it six weeks ago.

It usually takes a week to get the results of your test back. The results of your test - and even the fact that you have had a test - cannot be told to anyone else without your permission.

In Victoria, it is also against the law for anyone to test you for HIV without your permission. The law also requires that before being tested for HIV, you receive professional counselling. You should also receive counselling once the results are known. This is to ensure that you know what the test means and are prepared for the results.

If you find out that you have HIV, you can discuss treatments, and other ways to stay healthy, with your doctor or a Treatments Officer. Most state AIDS Council’s and/or PLWHA (People Living With HIV/AIDS) organisations have a Treatments Officer. For more information about contacting the Victorian PLWHA Treatments Officer, please click on the link below.

Treatments

For more information about Counselling Services at the Victorian AIDS Council/Gay Men's Health Centre, please click on the link below.

Counselling

Confidentiality principles also mean that your clinic will not be able to give you your test results over the telephone: you can only be given them in person.

If you are unhappy about any aspect of your treatment by a doctor, nurse or counsellor, you can complain to the Health Services Commissioner. Please click on the link below for more information.

Health Services Commissioner

For more information about the Centre Clinic, run by the VAC/GMHC, please click on the link below.

Medical

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)

Do you think that you have been exposed to HIV?

PEP is a 4-week course of anti-HIV drugs that may prevent you becoming HIV+.

But you have to act fast as you need to take PEP within 72 hours of exposure.

For more information, please click on the link below to 'Get PEP', or call 1800 889 887 RIGHT NOW!

Get PEP

Remember: safe-sex and safe drug injecting practices are still the most effective ways to avoid HIV infection.