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Please note prescriptions are only available in Canada and given at the doctor's discretion.

HIV treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions

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Can I talk to a doctor on Maple about my HIV?

Yes, we offer OHIP-covered HIV risk and prevention appointments with doctors on Maple. During these consultations, our doctors can assess concerns around HIV risk and prevention and create individual treatment plans that may include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a highly effective medication taken before sex to help reduce the likelihood of HIV transmission. Lab work may be required to get a prescription for PrEP.

All visits are covered by OHIP with a valid Ontario health card.

Can I get a prescription on Maple?

Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.

You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

What is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that weakens the immune system over time. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. Symptoms vary, and HIV-1 is much more prevalent, versus HIV-2, which is carried by a very small number of people.

HIV develops in stages:

  • Acute HIV Infection is the earliest stage, when the virus attacks the immune system and begins to reduce the cd4 count. These cd4 cells are what the body needs to fight infections, so most people get an HIV related flu or rash during this phase.
  • Chronic HIV Infection is the second stage, where people with HIV who are taking antiretroviral medication (ARTs) usually have low amounts of the virus in their system, and can live a normal healthy life. Without medication, this stage progresses to AIDS in 5-10 years.
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV. At this stage, the body’s immune system is too weak to fight infections, so people easily get sick and find it increasingly difficult to recover.
What are the symptoms of HIV?

Symptoms of acute HIV infection include:

  • Fatigue
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Night sweats
  • Joint pain
  • Headaches
  • Muscle pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Low appetite
  • Rash
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Symptoms of AIDS include:

  • Rapid weight loss
  • Significant, unexplained fatigue
  • Recurring fever
  • Profuse night sweats
  • Neurological disorders, like AIDS related dementia or memory loss
  • Red, pink, purple or brown splotches under the skin or inside nose, mouth and eyelids
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry cough
  • Diarrhea that lasts more than a week
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, or armpits
How long does it take for symptoms of HIV to show up?

The incubation period for HIV (the time between when a person has contracted HIV and when symptoms start to show) is usually 2-4 weeks. It can easily be mistaken for a cold or flu. Early on, many people with HIV don’t show any symptoms.

How soon can HIV be detected by a blood test?

HIV tests measure the amount of HIV antibodies that you’re currently producing. Until your body begins to produce antibodies to the infection, you might test negative for HIV, despite being HIV positive. This is called the HIV window period and can last anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months. During this time a person is still very contagious despite testing negative for HIV.

What causes HIV?

HIV is contracted through the exchange of certain bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breastmilk. There is no risk of HIV transmission through saliva, or physical contact like handshakes.

How can HIV be prevented?

There are several ways to prevent HIV:

  • Using condoms properly during sex, especially making sure a new condom is used each time.
  • Refraining from sex if you currently have an STI, which increases your chances of contracting other infections.
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which can be taken after sex to help reduce the likelihood of HIV transmission.
  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which can be taken before sex to significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
  • For pregnant women, getting an STD test can ensure you know your status. If you are pregnant and living with HIV, it’s possible to stop the transmission from mother to child.
  • For IV drug users, using clean needles can stop the spread of HIV.
  • If you’re HIV positive, letting your previous partners know is an important part of stopping the spread in your community.
Is HIV curable?

There’s no HIV cure, and no HIV vaccine. Many people with HIV are able to maintain good health, lessen the impact to their immune system and prevent the virus developing into AIDS through antiretroviral therapy.

How can I treat HIV?

HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy (HIV ART). These antiretroviral drugs should be started as soon as possible after an HIV diagnosis. They reduce an HIV positive person’s viral load (the amount of the virus living in the body) to undetectable levels, making it impossible to transmit HIV to anyone else.

If left untreated, HIV can weaken the immune system, causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS makes it difficult for the body to fight infections and reduces a person’s life expectancy to about 5-10 years after contracting HIV.

How long can someone live with HIV?

Thanks to medical advances, people with HIV can still live long, healthy lives. With proper treatment and access to reliable medical care, the prognosis in someone with HIV can be similar to that of people who are HIV negative.

What is Maple?

With Maple, you can start talking to a doctor about your symptoms in a matter of minutes. We’re a healthcare app for fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

You simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll immediately connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.

Our doctors can assess symptoms, and provide treatment, including prescriptions as necessary.

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Patients love using Maple

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A fantastic way to get medical advice when you are unable to see someone in person. The app is so simple to use. Highly recommend. I am not a tech savvy person but the doctor was kind enough to patiently walk me through every step of the process. Thank you.

— Google Play Store

This app is amazing! The doctor was so professional. I just waited 1-2 mins to get served! I highly recommend this app.

— Google Play Store

The service has been amazing for our family. The doctors are kind, thorough, and ask all the right questions. As a busy family of five, this app has been a life saver

— App store review

Super impressed with this service. Without a family doctor, it’s easy to feel alone with no care. Very thankful to have options.

— Google Play Store User

So fast and efficient. A process that would have ordinarily involved a referral and a six months wait was completed in less than 72 hours. Wholeheartedly recommend Maple.

— Google Review

At 1:30 am, I realized I had a UTI and was desperate for help. I went online and within ten minutes, I had my prescription faxed to my pharmacy. This service gave me peace of mind.

— Trustpilot Review

Maple was there for me when other doctors couldn't be. So convenient. Any time, any day. I am grateful for this service.

— Trustpilot Review

We needed to see a doctor over the weekend as our pediatrician was not available. Logging into Maple and choosing from a selection of specialties was quick and easy. Excellent service!

— Trustpilot Review

Very easy to navigate Maple. It’s secure and trusted. Maple has truly gone above and beyond with their app. Highly recommended.

— Trustpilot Review

Amazing service! It was great being able to connect with a doctor from the comfort of home late at night.

— Trustpilot Review

Treatable conditions

Mental health

Our doctors are available to provide advice and treatment for common mental health conditions.

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Women’s/men’s health

Doctors can advise on family planning and treat conditions, including urinary tract infections and erectile dysfunction.

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