HIV & AIDS

HIV is a type of virus that weakens the human immune system. The immune system protects the body from disease-causing bacteria and infectious substances.

HIV can be managed, but does not have a cure. If it does not get treated, HIV can lead to AIDS – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

HIV & AIDS

Symptoms

  • HIV: Sore throat, headaches and muscle aches, having the chills and a fever, feeling tired, swollen lymph nodes, and having pain in the joints(106)
  • AIDS: infections of the lungs; malignant tumours on skin; fungal and viral infections; chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss(28)

Who is at greater risk?(110)

  • Practicing unsafe sex
  • Having a history of STIs
  • Individuals who inject drugs and share the same equipment with others.
  • If you received blood or blood products that have not been screened for HIV

Screening & Testing

  • A sample of blood or fluid will be taken and tested for the specific HIV infection
  • If you get tested within the first 2-4 weeks of infection, the test may not detect the HIV virus in your body. During this time, you can still transmit the virus, so it is still very important to be careful and prevent transmission.

Treatment

  • Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):
    • An effective medication that if taken properly can reduce the number of HIV viruses in the body.
    • Starting treatment soon after a person becomes infected is very important to prevent negative health complications and transmission.
  • Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP):
    • If taken as prescribed, this medication reduces that chances of an HIV negative individual from becoming infected with HIV.
    • PrEP is for anyone who does not have HIV and is at high risk of becoming infected through sex or injection/drug use.
    • Always talk to a healthcare professional before taking PrEP.
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP):
    • Taking PEP medications within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV can reduce the chances of transmission in emergency situations only.
    • If you think you might have been exposed to HIV talk to a healthcare professional.

Prevention

  • Use new equipment and do not share equipment used to inject drugs (ex. needles)
  • If you get a body piercing or tattoo, make sure it is done by a licensed professionals who follows proper infection control regulations
  • Using latex condoms consistently and correctly every time you have sex
  • For people who have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS; getting treated with ART is a very effective way to prevent transmission.