English is widely spoken at LIC, Testpunkts/Mozaika, and in Riga generally. Russian is also widely understood throughout Latvia. Latvian terms are useful for paperwork, signs, and interactions in settings where English isn't available.
The System: Key Concepts
NVD — Nacionālais veselības dienests. National Health Service. Covers Latvian residents.
Veselības apdrošināšana — Health insurance. State coverage for residents.
EHIC — EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card for emergency care in Latvia at NVD rates.
Ģimenes ārsts — Family doctor / GP. Issues referrals (nosūtījumi) to specialists.
Nosūtījums — Referral. Needed to access specialist care under the NVD without private fees.
Infektologs — Infectious disease specialist. Who prescribes PrEP and manages HIV treatment at LIC.
Aptieka — Pharmacy. Where you collect prescriptions.
Recepte — Prescription.
Privāta klīnika — Private clinic.
Appointments
| Latvian | English |
|---|---|
| Pierakstīties | To make an appointment |
| Vizīte / Konsultācija | Visit / Consultation |
| Uzgaidāmā telpa | Waiting room |
| Nosūtījums | Referral |
| Recepte | Prescription |
| Slimības vēsture | Medical history |
Useful phrases:
"Vai jūs runājat angliski?" — Do you speak English? "Man ir EHIC karte." — I have an EHIC card. "Es gribu anonīmu pārbaudi." — I want an anonymous test. "Esmu privātais pacients." — I am a private patient.
Sexual Health and Testing
| Latvian | English |
|---|---|
| Seksuāli transmisīvās slimības (STS) | Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) |
| HIV / HIV tests | HIV / HIV test |
| Anonimsā kabinete | Anonymous testing cabinet |
| Uztriepe | Swab |
| Rīkles uztriepe | Throat swab |
| Taisnās zarnas uztriepe | Rectal swab |
| Urētra uztriepe | Urethral swab |
| Asins analīze | Blood test |
| Urīna analīze | Urine test |
| Rezultāti | Results |
| Pozitīvs / Negatīvs | Positive / Negative |
Asking for a full STI panel:
"Lūdzu, rīkles, taisnās zarnas un urētra uztriepes, papildus asins analīzēm." (Please, throat, rectal, and urethral swabs, plus blood tests.)
HIV, PrEP, PEP
| Latvian | English |
|---|---|
| PrEP (Pre-ekspozīcijas profilakse) | PrEP |
| PEP (Post-ekspozīcijas profilakse) | PEP |
| HIV pozitīvs / negatīvs | HIV positive / negative |
| Neatklājams | Undetectable |
| Vīrusu slodze | Viral load |
| CD4 šūnas | CD4 cells |
| Antiretrovīrusu terapija (ART) | Antiretroviral therapy |
| Infektoloģijas centrs | Infectious diseases centre (LIC) |
Requesting PEP at LIC emergency:
"Man bija HIV risks. Man vajag profilaksi pēc ekspozīcijas — PEP." (I had HIV risk. I need post-exposure prophylaxis — PEP.)
In an Emergency
Emergency numbers:
- 112 — General emergency (English operators)
- 03 — Ambulance (Neatliekamā medicīniskā palīdzība)
- 02 — Police
- 01 — Fire
Signs to find:
- Uzņemšanas nodaļa / Uzņemšana — Emergency admission / reception
- Neatliekamā palīdzība — Emergency help
"Man vajag palīdzību." — I need help. "Izsauciet ātro palīdzību!" — Call an ambulance! "Man sāp." — I'm in pain.