Dear Dog-ter
I just tested HIV+. I was a little shocked but I’ve taken some major sexual risks lately. I wish I could go back and change things but I can’t. The guy that tested me at the baths assured me the test was anonymous. But I’ve heard that people who test positive get their name reported to the health department. Is this true? I’m not ready to be “labeled” HIV+ but I want to make sure my health is okay. What can I do?
Scared Sick.

Dear Scared Sick,
It deeply saddens me each time that I have to tell someone that they’re HIV+. It does no good to try and make people feel bad about the “risky” sex they’ve had. Most everyone knows they can become infected from having unprotected sex. Anal sex without a condom is the most risky, but people can get infected just from getting or giving a blow job, too. If you’re still having a hard time staying safer, you may want to get some support. It’s of great concern that more gay and bisexual men, including many with HIV, are getting (& giving) STDs than in the past few years.

I commend you on having the courage to get tested. This can be a really hard thing to do if you think the result may come back HIV+. Please, rest assured that the test you got at the baths was indeed anonymous. Your test was linked to the fake name you gave the tester. There is no way to track it back to the real you.

Anonymous HIV and STD testing is always available from the HIV/AIDS & STD Programs of the public health department (which provide testing in the baths), and the Denver Health STD Clinic. With an anonymous test, you will never be asked to use your real name or have to show any kind of ID. If you get tested at other places, like your doctor’s office or a local clinic, you will probably get a confidential test. However, some docs do anonymous testing, too. This kind of test keeps your name private. By law, doctors and clinics must report new HIV+ cases to the local public health department when they have the patients’ names. But reporting is really no big deal and is used only to keep count of case numbers and where the epidemic is headed. With “named” HIV reporting, the reported names are converted to a special unique code. Once this happens, all names are erased.
How can you check out your health without being reported as HIV+? Well, I have some good news for you – maybe the best you’ve heard of late. The HIV/AIDS Program, the same one that provides free & anonymous HIV/STD testing, has a program called One on One.

In One on One, you can get health services that are anonymous and free. One on One is a great way for people to check up on their health and still protect their privacy. With One on One you can get a complete medical evaluation, CD4 count, viral load, STD screening and treatment, in-depth info about HIV, emotional support, and referral to a good doctor who can follow you and advise you on your medical needs.

One on One is really helpful, especially for people who are nervous or confused about their HIV+ test result. One on One will never use your real name or ask for any kind of ID. Being told you are HIV+ can be really scary and may freak you out. You might not be ready for anyone – no matter who it is – to know about it. You can still check up on your health while you decide what you want to do next.

To make an appointment, call the HIV/STD Hotline at303-692-2777 or Toll-free: 877-478-3448.

I wish you good luck and good health. And please, be safe.
the Dog-ter

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