HIV 101

HIV is an acronym that stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

H = Human:   HIV is a disease that infects humans.
I = Immuno:  refers to the immune system.
V = Virus:  a small organism, similar to a germ.

HIV attacks the bodies immune system.  Once the virus has severely weakened the immune system (which can take years in some people) opportunistic infections can develop.   It is in this advanced stage of HIV infection that a person is considered to have AIDS.

AIDS is an acronym for Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome.

A = Acquired – HIV can only be transmitted via specific activities when one person is already HIV positive.

I = Immune – This virus attacks or breaks down a person’s immune system, which is the body’s ability to protect itself.

D = Deficiency – Means weakness – this virus causes a weakened immune system.  The portion of the system that is most affected by HIV virus are T-cells in the blood.

S =  Syndrome – refers to a group of signs and symptoms that are the result of opportunistic infections.  These infections depend largely on individual and societal circumstances.  There are many opportunistic infections and clinical conditions which indicate the diagnoses of AIDS.

HIV Virus

The HIV virus is carried in blood, semen (Cum), pre-ejaculate (Pre-cum), vaginal fluids and breast milk of HIV infected mothers.

Is there a difference between HIV and AIDS?  
Yes, HIV refers to the virus which weakens the immune system.  AIDS refers to the condition when opportunistic infections have developed within the body. 

HIV is NOT easy to contract.  HIV from an infected person must enter into another persons bloodstream through specific ways:

Sexual Intercourse – The virus spreads by having unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal and oral) with a person who is infected with HIV.

Sharing Needles – The virus can be spread by sharing needles, syringes and other body piercing instruments such as; tattoo needles, acupuncture equipment.

Vertical Transmission/Pregnancy – An infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy or through the birth process.  Some babies have been infected through breast milk.  If HIV anti-viral medications are taken by a pregnant woman during her pregnancy she can significantly reduce the risk of passing the HIV virus to her fetus.

Blood transfusions -  There is absolutely no risk in donating blood since sterile needles are used only once and discarded.  Before 1985 blood was not screened for HIV.  This meant that some people before that time received transfusions that carried the virus.  Since 1985, ALL blood products used for transfusions are tested for the presence of HIV.  So there is presently very little risk of HIV in blood transfusions.

The virus can also be spread through organ donations and/or artificial insemination.  However, this risk is very low currently as North American donors are tested for the virus before donating.

You cannot get infected with the HIV virus from casual contact such as shaking hands, sharing eating utensils, food, tools, pools, hot tubs, bathrooms, or even hugging or dry kissing. 
HIV cannot be spread by mosquitoes, lice or through the air like a cold or flu.  You have to exchange blood, semen, pre-ejaculate, vaginal fluids or breast milk in order to become infected.

Fortunately HIV is a difficult virus to contract.  People living with HIV/AIDS deserve and need to be held and touched.  It is important that unfounded fears do not keep people separated from their loved ones at a time when being close is so very important.

Where did HIV come from?
We really don’t know.  There are many theories about the origin of the virus, but NO one knows for sure.  Where HIV came from isn’t important.  How we prevent it’s spreading and educating the public about the virus is what is important.

Is HIV/AIDS a homosexual condition?
No, In most countries, HIV is spread almost exclusively by unprotected sexual intercourse between men and women.  Heterosexual transmission is growing here in Canada.  Although HIV/AIDS first affected the gay community in North America, the spread of the disease has nothing to do with who you are. 
The virus can infect anyone at any age.  A growing number of infections has been seen among senior citizens in certain retirement communities.

What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?  
There is no one symptom of HIV/AIDS. Symptoms depend on which opportunistic infection occurs as a result of the weakened immune system (which was caused HIV infection). 
Some common symptoms of a weakening immune system are: unecplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, diarrhea, swollen glands, night sweats and headaches.  Also, women may experience menstrual irregularities, increased vaginal yeast infections and abnormal PAP smears.

These are symptoms that are common to many other diseases and are not specific to HIV/AIDS.  If you have engaged in an unsafe activity that may have exposed you to HIV and you are experiencing some of these conditions, get tested for HIV.

How do I get tested for HIV?
Here in Durham you can now get tested anonymously at the three Sexual Health Clinics in Durham – Pickering, Port Perry and Oshawa.   The results of the test take just minutes.  The test requires just a prick of a finger and a few drops of blood.  Click here for more information on these testing sites and times.

If you need more information on HIV/AIDS you can contact Mark Hammann at 905-576-1445 ext 15. All our services are free of charge, anonymous, and confidential.