Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
is spread when blood, semen, or vaginal fluids from an infected person enter
someone else's body. Once a person becomes infected, the virus attacks and
gradually weakens his or her immune system. AIDS is the last phase in HIV
disease, when the body is no longer able to fight infection or disease. Without
treatment, AIDS develops in most people 12 to 13 years after they first become
infected with HIV. With treatment, AIDS may be delayed for many more years.
A person is said to be HIV-positive
if antibodies to the virus are detected in his or her blood. It may take up
to
6 months after infection for the
antibodies to appear. However, the virus can be spread to others before antibodies
or symptoms are apparent.
The specific behaviours that spread
HIV include:
Having more than 1 sex partner.
Having unprotected sex, especially unprotected sex between
men (other than in a relationship in which both sex partners have sex
only with each other, and neither partner is infected with HIV).
Sharing needles, syringes, or other "drug works"
with someone who is HIV-positive.
Babies born to or breast-fed by
women who are HIV-positive are also at high risk for becoming infected with
the virus.Because all donated blood has been tested for HIV since 1985, the
risk of getting the virus from transfused blood or blood products is extremely
low.
HIV is not spread by mosquitoes;
toilet seats; being coughed on by an infected person; casual contact with
someone who is HIV-positive or who has AIDS; or by donating blood. Being touched,
hugged, or lightly kissed by someone who is HIV- positive will not transfer
the virus to you.
A simple, confidential blood test
can determine if you are HIV-positive. You can have the test done in your
doctor's office or at your local health
unit or public health office. A
home test kit is available as well. If you engage in activities that put you
at risk for HIV infection, have an HIV test every 6 months. Early diagnosis
and treatment of HIV are important even before symptoms develop. If you think
you have been exposed to HIV, but you test negative, you should be tested
again 6 months after your last known exposure to HIV.
If you are pregnant and have any
reason to believe that you may ever have been exposed to HIV, getting tested
is the most important thing you can do for your baby. If you are HIV-positive,
drug treatment during pregnancy can greatly reduce the likelihood that you
will pass the infection on to your baby.
People who educate themselves about HIV infection learn how to make
wise health decisions about preventing the spread of the virus and seek treatments
that may improve their chances for staying healthy longer.
Early symptoms of HIV infection
may mimic flu and can also include a rash and swollen glands. Common symptoms
of later-stage HIV infection include:
Rapid, unexplained weight loss.
Unexplained fever and night sweats.
-
Diarrhea or other bowel changes.
Shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough.
-
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
These symptoms can be caused
by many illnesses other than HIV infection. However, if any symptom develops
or persists without a good explanation, especially if your behaviour puts
you at risk for HIV infection, call your doctor.
Only monogamy (you and your partner
have sex only with each other) between uninfected partners or sexual abstinence
completely eliminates the risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted
diseases. The following safer
sex guidelines will help you reduce your risk.
If you are beginning a new sexual relationship:
Take time before having sex to talk about HIV and
other STDs. Find out if your partner has ever been exposed to or
infected with an STD or if your partner's behaviour puts him or
her at risk for HIV infection. Tell your partner if you've ever
engaged in high-risk behaviour. Remember that it is possible to
be infected with an STD without knowing it.
Use latex condoms and spermicide every time you have
sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) until you are certain that neither
you nor your partner has any STDs and that neither of you will have
unprotected sexual contact with anyone else while your relationship
lasts.
If you plan to use HIV testing to decide whether
it is safe to have unprotected sex, have the test done 6 months
after the last time you engaged in high-risk behaviour. In the meantime,
use condoms every time you have sexual contact.
Avoid unprotected sexual contact with anyone who has
symptoms of or who has been exposed to an STD, or whose behaviour puts
him or her at risk for HIV infection. Keep in mind that a person may
still be able to transmit STDs even if no symptoms are present.
Avoid unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with anyone
whose sexual history may not be risk-free. Use latex condoms from the
beginning to the end of sexual contact. "Natural" or lambskin
condoms do not protect against HIV infection or other STDs.
Do not rely on spermicides or a diaphragm alone to protect
against STDs. Latex condoms with spermicide provide the best protection
against STDs, including HIV.
In addition to the guidelines
above, taking the following precautions will reduce your risk of getting
HIV and hepatitis B:
-
Never share needles, syringes, razors, or other personal
items that could be contaminated with blood.
If your job or behaviour puts
you at risk for HIV infection, or if you come in contact with HIV-infected
blood (for example, an accidental needle stick), contact a health professional
immediately. In some cases, medications may prevent HIV infection if they
are started within a few hours after you are exposed to the virus. Have
a blood test 6 months after any activity or accident that puts you at risk
for HIV infection.
For more information, call your
local health unit or public health office, or check your phone book for
the AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Testing and Information toll-free
number.