Frequently asked questions |
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What is meant by “Exposure to HIV”?
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The following are considered a risk for transmission of HIV:
- Vaginal or anal non-protected intercourse (or condom failure) with a seropositive person.
- Exposure to sperm in the mouth is also considered a risk.
- Sharing of syringes with a seropositive person.
If you have doubts about your degree of risk, ask your doctor or the HIV/AIDS Unit at the Geneva University Hospital (022/372.96.17).
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I have been exposed to HIV. When should I do an HIV test?
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It is recommended to wait 3 months after exposure.
The test does not turn positive immediately after exposure.
If you test too early, your test might still be negative, even though you are infected.
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Is the test reliable?
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The test is extremely reliable and can exclude HIV infection if it is done more than 3 months after exposure.
In very rare cases, the test can be false positive (a false positive is a positive test in a person who is none infected by HIV).
This is why we recommend confirmation by another test if the first test is positive.
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How much does it cost?
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Consultation with a specialised nurse plus the test cost CHF 55.-- (CHF 25.-- if you are less than 18 years old).
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How much time does it take?
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Count 30 minutes for counselling, testing and waiting for the result.
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What will happen exactly?
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You will answer a questionnaire regarding exposure to HIV before counselling.
Then, you will talk with an experienced nurse, who will counsel you regarding future avoidance of risk and who will answer any questions you may have.
At the end of this counselling session, the nurse will stick your finger to obtain blood for the rapid HIV test.
Results are available 20 minutes later.
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How about confidentiality?
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You can get an appointment for the test anonymously.
All medical professionals must respect confidentiality, which includes everything that is said during the counselling session.
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Can I have a test without appointment?
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You can show up at the testing site without appointment in case of emergency.
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Is it possible to have an appointment by phone?
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It is possible to obtain an anonymous appointment by telephone, at the number 022/372.96.17 from Monday to Friday between 9.00-12.00 and 14.00-17.00.
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What is the schedule for HIV testing?
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From Monday to Friday, 9.30-17.30.
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What is a post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
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If you have been exposed to HIV, taking anti-HIV drugs may lower the risks of infection. This treatment must start as soon as possible after exposure; in no case it is efficacious after more than 72 hours. Treatment includes 3 different drugs must be taken during a month, and costs approximately CHF 1’400.--.
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When should you take post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)?
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In case of HIV exposure, less than 72 hours ago.
Before proceeding, you should discuss indications for PEP with a doctor.
At the Geneva University Hospital, you can either contact the HIV/AIDS Unit from Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 18.00, calling 022/372.33.11 and asking pager no. 6858 444, or you can go to the Emergency (weekends and during the week after 18.00).
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