SERVICES

Q: I have tested positive for HIV. What is the process to join the MRFTT clinic?
A: You are welcome to come to MRFTT any morning from Monday to Friday.
You will need to have:

  • A form of Picture ID
  • A copy of your HIV result as well as any other test results or letters you may have
  • Any medications you are taking

You may come alone or bring someone for support
Your first visit is quite detailed so be prepared to spend some time at clinic
The building is air conditioned, so dress warmly or bring a sweater

Q: Do I have to pay for services or medication?
A: No, you do not have to pay for services or medication.

Q: I am leaving the country for a few months, what arrangement can be made for me to get my medication?
A: Please bring a copy of your travel itinerary and you will have to discuss your request with the doctor.

Q: I live in south Trinidad, are there options for me to easily get my medication from MRFTT?
A: The MRFTT team goes to south Trinidad on Tuesdays and Saturdays, you can ask for more information from the staff.

Q: Approximately, how long would an appointment take?
A: The length of time you spend is based on what is to be done on the day. A medication pick up alone can be less than half an hour, whereas a doctor’s appointment will be a bit longer.

Q: I want to change my appointment, what can I do?
A: You can call the receptionist at 623-5834 or 625-8512 or 627-9923 and request a change of appointment.

Q: Can non-nationals who have been diagnosed with HIV, join this clinic?
A: Yes, non-nationals can be joined at the MRFTT clinic, and should bring all relevant documentation when coming to the first visit. Non-nationals can bring a Picture ID from their country of origin.

Q: Why should I know my correct clinic number?
A: It is important to know your correct clinic number as it is unique to you…only you have this number!
Having the correct number prevents the possibility of a mix up with another client.

Q: I have not used HIV medication and stopped attending clinic for some time, what should I do?
A: You should return to clinic as soon as possible. You are welcome to come in any morning Monday-Friday, or any evening Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. For more information call 623-5834 or 625-8512 or 627-9923.

Q: Do you have evening clinic?
A: Yes, evening clinics are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 3-6pm

 

MAINTAINING MY HEALTH

General Information

Q: Should I tell my partner about my HIV status?
A: Yes, you should tell your partner. If you need assistance with this, please let us know when you attend clinic.

Q: My partner wants to be tested for HIV, can this be done at MRFTT?
A: Yes, we do partner testing for HIV.

Q: I am living with HIV, what can I do to remain as healthy as possible?
A: To remain as healthy as possible when living with HIV, be sure to take your medication every day and do not miss any doses. Additionally, eat a well-balanced diet, have an exercise regime, manage your mental health.

Q: Do you offer counselling services at MRFTT?
A: Yes, you can ask about counselling services at the MRFTT, we have Social workers and a Psychologist who can assist you.

Q: Do you offer mammograms for women attending MRFTT clinic?
A: No we do not offer mammograms at clinic.

Q: How often do I have to do bloods?
A: Bloods are usually done every 6 months.

Q: Apart from HIV, what are other common Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’S)?
A: Other common STI’s are Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Herpes, Genital warts, Chlamydia.

Q: Do you give condoms at clinic?
A: Yes, clients attending clinic at MRFTT can get condoms.

Q: Apart from HIV, I also have Diabetes and Hypertension, can I get treated for these at the MRFTT?
A: Yes, we have a dedicated clinic to help you manage Diabetes and Hypertension along with your HIV management.

Q: Can I get my results over the phone?
A: No, unfortunately results cannot be shared over the phone. You will be required to attend an appointment in person.

Viral loads

Q: What is a Viral load?
A: A Viral load is a measure of the amount of HIV in a small sample of your blood.

Q: What does undetectable viral load mean?
A: An undetectable viral load means there is such a small amount of HIV in your body, the test cannot detect it. When your HIV medication is working well, it is good to have an undetectable viral load.

Q: If I have an undetectable viral load, does it mean I am cured?
A: No, you will always be HIV Infected. The viral load is measuring how well the medication is working.

Q: If my Viral load is undetectable, can I miss doses or stop taking my HIV medication?
A: You must never miss doses of your HIV medication, and you must never stop taking your HIV medication. The undetectable viral load means the medication is working. If you miss doses and stop taking medication, the HIV will start to increase in your blood, and this will cause you to become very ill.

HIV Medication

Q: What could happen if I miss doses of my HIV medication?
A: If you frequently miss doses of your HIV medication, it is very possible that your medication will stop working. You need to discuss this with a doctor or nurse if you are missing doses often.

Q: What happens if my HIV medication stops working?
A: If your HIV medication stops working, you will become very ill, however, your doctor may be able to assist you with a new combination of HIV medication which will work, however, you must take your new medication every day and not miss any doses.

Q: What can I do to make sure my HIV medication works for me?
A: To make sure your HIV medication works well, you should take your medication every day, try not to miss any doses.

Q: I am concerned about side effects from HIV medication, what should I do?
A: Always let us know if you are experiencing side effects. There are different ways we can help you manage side effects and make taking HIV medication easy and comfortable.

Q: I am having challenges taking my medication. What can I do?
A: You can ask to speak to a nurse to help you find the best ways to take medication.

Q: What will happen if I frequently miss doses of my HIV medication?
A: If you miss doses of your HIV medication, the medication will stop working and the virus will multiply in your blood and cause you to become very ill with AIDS which can cause death.

Q: Can I use herbal preparations like Moringa and Noni if I am using HIV medication?
A: No, some herbal preparations interfere with the HIV medication, causing the HIV medication not to work properly. You can discuss with staff when you attend clinic.

Pregnancy and HIV

Q: I am pregnant and HIV Infected, will my baby be HIV Infected?
A: At MRFTT, we would give you all the best guidelines to follow during your pregnancy. Following all the instructions gives you the best chance of your baby being HIV negative.

Q: After I give birth, do I still need to use the HIV medication and attend MRFTT clinic?
A: Yes, after giving birth, you must continue taking your HIV medication and attending clinic in order to remain well and to care for yourself and your family.

Vaccines

Q: What vaccines do you give to clients?
A: At the MRFTT, we give HPV, Hepatitis B, Pneumovax and Influenza vaccines to clients.

Q: Why should I take the HPV vaccine?
A: Both women and men living with HIV are at greater risk for developing certain cancers. The HPV vaccine provides protection against cancers including cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancers.

Q: Do you recommend vaccines for persons living with HIV?
A: Yes, we recommend the HPV, Hepatitis B, Pneumovax and Influenza vaccines to help you remain well.

Q: What should I do if I want to be vaccinated?
A: You can ask about vaccination when you attend your clinic appointment.

Q: Why do you recommend HIV infected persons get HPV vaccination?
A: Persons living with HIV are more likely to develop cancers including cervical cancer, anal cancer, vulval cancer.
HPV is a virus that can cause these cancers, and HPV vaccination prevents these cancers.

Pap smears

Q: Why are Pap smears important for women living with HIV?
A: Women living with HIV are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer. It is therefore extremely important to have a Pap smear once a year, even if the last result was normal, and even if your viral load is undetectable.

Q: I am HIV Infected and I am not sexually active. My past Pap smears have always been normal, do I still need to do a Pap smear once a year?
A: Yes, all women who are HIV infected should have a Pap smear once a year because HIV increases the risk of developing certain cancers

Q: Do you offer Pap smears for women attending MRFTT clinic?
A: Yes, Pap smears are offered for clients at MRFTT, you can ask for information at the clinic

U=U

Q: What does U=U mean?
A: U=U means Undetectable equals Untransmittable. It means that if you are HIV Infected and on HIV medication, and your Viral load is undetectable, then you will not transmit HIV to your partner if you have unprotected sex.

Q: Does U=U protect against all Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)?
A: No, U=U does not protect against other STI’s. Condoms can provide protection against most STI’s.
Even if your HIV infection is under control, you can still pass on or contract another STI.