Are you among the 14% of Canadians who have HIV and don’t know it?

How would you rate your knowledge of HIV? Have you ever had an HIV test? A recent report by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) found 1 in 5 of Canadians rate their knowledge of HIV as low. And up to 14% of Canadians with HIV don’t know they’re positive. These gaps highlight the continued need for World AIDS day, which was this past Saturday. This is a day to raise awareness around HIV to reduce transmission and the stigma of those living with HIV.

This year’s World AIDS day campaign is “Know Your Status”. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care, and people at higher risk should get tested more often. Along these lines, PHAC recommends the discussion of HIV testing be part of periodic routine medical care. Knowing your status lets you to protect yourself and your partners. If you learn you have HIV you can start treatment to help you stay healthy and live longer, and you can take steps to reduce the risk of passing HIV on to others.

For more information on HIV: https://www.catie.ca/en/home