December is HIV Awareness Month

The UPEI Health and Wellness Centre offers support and resources to community members who are at risk of or are living with HIV.

Some groups of people are affected by HIV more than others, but it can be passed on to anyone. But remember, HIV can't be passed on through casual contact like touching, kissing, or sharing cutlery or drinking glasses.

There is no cure for HIV, but there is excellent treatment. If you are diagnosed in good time and take your medication, you can have as long and healthy a life as everyone else.

Ways to prevent HIV

• Get tested regularly if you are sexually active.
• Take PrEP or PEP (tablets that prevent HIV) either before or just after you’ve been exposed to it.
• Use condoms.
• Never share needles.
• Take your medication if you are living with HIV.

Know your status!  

Book an appointment at the UPEI Health & Wellness Centre for confidential testing.

Seek professional assistance! ​

We can connect you with counselling support and medical professionals if you are HIV positive. Effective treatment for HIV suppresses the virus to such low levels that it can’t harm you and you can’t pass it on. 

U=U (undetectable = untransmissable).

Live positively! 

With the advent of HIV treatments, many people living with HIV are living longer and succeeding in life, with the same dreams, desires, and aspirations as anyone. Here are some tips to live positively:

• Stay active and exercise.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol.
• Find a support system using resources like 
  • PeersAlliance.ca, which supports those living with and at risk for HIV, Hep C, and all sexually transmitted infections in PEI
  • PositiveLove.ca, the online dating app that connects people living with HIV 

For more information, contact the RN (registered nurse) at the UPEI Health & Wellness Centre at healthcentre@upei.ca, or call 902-566-0616.