Description
In light of decreasing but ongoing new HIV infections in Ontario each year, the updated Ontario HIV testing guidelines introduces a four-pronged approach to testing that aims to help reach persons with undiagnosed HIV infection. The updated guidelines will be discussed in this session. The first prong is to find new/recent infections by recognizing the signs/symptoms of acute HIV infection and to make providers aware of recent advances in HIV testing technology that reduces the HIV testing window of six weeks. The second prong is to find chronic infections by recognizing indicator conditions commonly overlooked in people with HIV. The third prong is to offer testing to at-risk members of populations with higher rates of HIV, including gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, including trans men, African, Caribbean, and Black populations, Indigenous Peoples, people who use drugs, particularly if their drug use involves injection, and cis and trans women, especially those who face systemic and social inequities. The fourth prong is to identify people in other care situations.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Identify population groups that should be tested for HIV according to the new Ontario HIV testing guidelines
• Describe scenarios and conditions where it is appropriate to test (and retest) people for HIV; and
• List additional HIV prevention interventions and when to recommend them.