Positive Care Clinic

HIV is a virus that weakens your immune system, the body’s built-in defense against disease and illness, over time. You can have HIV without knowing it. The only way to know is with a blood test. With proper treatment and care, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives and avoid passing on HIV to others. A person living with HIV who is on successful treatment cannot pass HIV to their sex partners. There is no vaccine to prevent HIV but there are things you can do to avoid passing or getting HIV. 

Potential or known exposures to HIV (i.e. needle stick injury, high risk sexual contact,  exposure to potentially contaminated bodily fluids), require assessment from the Emergency Department (ED) to see if HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) would be beneficial. This should be done as soon as possible, within 3 days (72hrs) of being exposed.

Any person with an increased risk of being exposed to HIV through risky sexual practices, or injecting drugs, may be a candidate for HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). Learn more about PrEP to prevent HIV.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection and progresses through stages and can lead to serious consequences if not treated. All people who are sexually active, and people who share drug equipment, can get syphilis.

The only way to confirm syphilis is through a blood test. Treatment varies and is determined by blood test results, a thorough medical history and physical exam completed by Infectious Disease specialists.

Gonorrhea and chlamydia are sexually transmitted infections. Testing is done based on sexual practices, with swabs, and a urine sample. These infections are cured with antibiotic treatment. People who test positive for rectal chlamydia and/or gonorrhea are at an increased risk for acquiring HIV.

Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver and can cause long term damage to the liver if not monitored/treated. Individuals who have chronic Hepatitis B can pass on the infection to others through exposure to blood and bodily fluids. There is no cure for Hepatitis B but it is manageable. 

Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver and can cause long term damage to the liver if untreated. Individuals who have chronic hepatitis C can pass on the infection to others through blood and bodily fluids exposure, particularly individuals who inject drugs. Hepatitis C is curable.