The province鈥檚 HIV testing day was officially recognized on June 27, a day which was created to support HIV prevention, education, and treatment.
鈥淚t is very important that we all know our HIV status,鈥� said Deanna Bartok, HIV strategy co-ordinator with public health in Yorkton for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). 鈥淭esting has become much more accessible and we encourage everyone to include HIV testing as a regular part of your health-care routine.鈥�
Testing locations were offered in both Kamsack and Yorkton. The Kamsack clinic ran on June 26 at New Beginnings Outreach said a release from the SHA.
According to Health Canada, an estimated 1 in 5 people living with HIV in Canada are unaware of their HIV infection. People with HIV do not usually have symptoms, although some people may experience flu-like symptoms for a short period a few weeks after the infection. The only way to know for sure whether you have HIV is to get tested. Anyone has the potential to be affected by HIV regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation or ethnic origin, the release said.
鈥淭he outlook for people diagnosed with HIV is different now,鈥� said Dr. Chhetri, medical health officer in Yorkton for SHA. 鈥淵ou may think this is a terminal illness, but it is not. The key is early diagnosis. If you find out you have the disease early on and start taking medications, you can live a healthy life.鈥�
While HIV testing day has specific locations set up to encourage testing, point-of-care testing is available at any time throughout the year. Testing can be requested as part of routine blood work during regular medical clinic visits or visits to the emergency room. Confidential counseling and case management are made available to assist clients in navigating the health-care system, said the release.
For more information, visit the website at www.sunrisehealthregion.sk.ca and click the 鈥淗ealth Services / HIV Info and Testing鈥� link. Information is also available by contacting Mental Health and Addictions Services at 306-786-0558 or 1-888-989-8444.
