Festival Opening Cocktail Party

TasPride PRIDE FESTIVAL OPENING COCKTAIL PARTY Seagrass Long Point, 19 Beach Road Sandy Bay Friday 5 February 2021 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm $30 Hearty canapes served throughout the evening, cash bar. Fully accessible.

THIS INFORMATION SHEET ANSWERS SOME COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HIV HOME TESTING. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL US AT TASCAHRD ON 03 6234 1242.

I think I was exposed to HIV: where can I get tested?

It takes up to three months after an exposure to HIV for the ATOMO home tests to detect the virus. So, if you think you have recently been exposed, it’s best to see your GP or a local sexual health clinic to talk about options.

If you think you have been exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, consider taking PEP (post exposure prophylaxis). PEP is a month-long course of medication that can prevent HIV. You can get PEP at the emergency department of public hospitals or a sexual health clinic. Call the PEP Hotline for more information on 1800737669. But act quickly – you need to begin treatment within 72 hours of exposure for the medication to be effective.

How accurate is the ATOMO home test?

The test is 99.6% accurate at detecting HIV. If you have been exposed to HIV within the last three months, it may not be detected by this test.

What happens if I get a reactive result?

Although these tests are very accurate, a reactive result does not always mean you have HIV – this needs to be verified with further results.

If you get a reactive result you should make an appointment for a follow up HIV test as soon as possible. You can do this at a trusted GP, or a sexual health clinic such as the Tasmanian Sexual Health Service (ph. 03 6166 2672). If you’re not sure where to go, we can help you find a friendly GP.

What if I have HIV?

HIV is a manageable condition. Knowing your status gives you the power to protect your health and the health of your sexual partners.

You are not alone. There is a wide range of support available to guide you through this. We can connect you with workers who can help you make sense of your diagnosis and support you to take care of your health. With treatment, you can live a long and healthy life. Treatment can also reduce the level of HIV in your blood so that it cannot be transmitted to others. It’s important to start treatment as soon as possible.

My test is negative; how do I protect myself from HIV in the future?

If you’re having sex, or injecting drugs, there are many ways to protect yourself from HIV. You choose what works for you! Condoms used with silicon or water- based lube will protect you from HIV and most STIs. PrEP might be a good option if you are having sex that exposes you to HIV, or you are injecting drugs and not always using safe equipment (see pages 4 and 5 for more info on PrEP)

STI & HIV testing will help protect your health and the health of your sexual partners. If you’re a man having sex with other men and have multiple partners, it is recommended you get tested up to four times per year.

PEP gives you protection in an emergency. Never rely on PEP as your prevention strategy. For more information call TasCAHRD on 03 6234 1242 or visit www.redthread.org.au Based on information provided by the AIDS Action Council.