HIV infection can only be diagnosed by taking an HIV test that detects the presence of HIV antibodies in the body. The tests currently in use can detect antibodies three months after the possible transmission. However, an HIV carrier is infectious prior the development of the antibodies. Therefore, while waiting for the HIV test results, safer sex should be practiced.

The Finnish AIDS Council's national information line +358 207 465 705 is at your service from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. - 3.30 p.m. The employees of the Finnish AIDS Council answer your phone calls. Call this number when you want more information about HIV or you need support, guidance and counseling. You can discuss infection risks, fears, etc., with an AIDS Council employee, confidentially and openly. At this number you can also make an appointment for an anonymous, free-of-charge HIV antibody test. Tests are available at every location of the Finnish AIDS Council.

Appointment to the HIV test

Please call the Finnish AIDS Council at +358 207 465 705 Mon-Fri between 10 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. to make an appointment to an anonymous, free-of-charge HIV antibody test at any of the Finnish AIDS Council locations: Helsinki, Turku, Tampere or Oulu. The fingertip test is a rapid test, with the result available in 15 minutes. Though the test is 'rapid' at providing results, it is still an antibody test, so it should not be taken sooner than at least three months after the possible transmission.

In connection with having the test, you can discuss any HIV- and AIDS-related questions that concern you, like the fear of infection and how to protect yourself. If the client is diagnosed with HIV, support and counseling are available at the Finnish AIDS Council.

HIV is not transmitted

• trough social contacts
• trough sharing food, drink or cutlery
• from towels or sheets
• from sauna benches or toilet seats
• through mosquito or other animal bites
• trough saliva, tears, sweat, urine, excrement of vomit
• trough kissing, hugging

HIV can be transmitted

• through vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom
• through oral sex without a condom
• from shared drug injecting equipment
• trough shared sex toys
• from an HIV positive mother to the baby during pregnancy, labor or breast-feeding (in Finland the risk is minimal because of prophylactic medication)
• during blood transfusion or organ transplantation (in Finland, no HIV transmissions through donated blood have been detected since 1985)

The medical treatment of HIV has developed remarkably in recent years. Today the progress of the disease can be slowed down by medication. However, there is no permanent cure and a protective vaccine is not available.