Grade 7 Topic 3 HIV / AIDS

What is HIV? H uman I mmunodeficiency V irus The virus that slowly destroys the immune system, causing AIDS HIV positive (HIV+) means the virus has entered the body The person doesn’t know it, the person looks and feels healthy BUT – can spread the virus to other people

What is AIDS? A cquired I mmuno D eficiency S yndrome Result of having been HIV+ for a long time Immune system is severely damaged Person looks and feels very sick Person eventually dies

HIV is not a disease that you “catch” like the flu or common cold. HIV is NOT spread by: Everyday contact with people Going to school and being friends with a person who is HIV+ Shaking hands, hugging, kissing Touching doorknobs, toilet seats, telephones, dishes, towels, etc. Crying, coughing, sneezing Sharing food or a drink with someone who is HIV+ Mosquito and other insect bites Dogs, cats, pets Swimming pools or gym equipment HIV is not a disease that you “catch” like the flu or common cold.

HIV is spread through The exchange of body fluids Semen Vaginal fluids Blood Breastmilk

Transmission of HIV Sexual Intercourse With an HIV+ partner (vaginal, anal, or oral) Infected Blood through sharing HIV contaminated needles Pregnancy or breastfeeding by a HIV+ mother Blood Transfusions of HIV infected blood (very rare since 1985)

What are the symptoms of HIV? May seem like the flu: Fatigue Fever Aches and pains Person probably recovers and may remain healthy for years. Eventually symptoms return and become more persistent and prolonged. Healthy periods get shorter; sick periods get longer.

HIV is Preventable! SEXUALLY Abstain One uninfected partner Both partners get a health check first Reduce number of sexual partners Always use condoms

HIV is Preventable! BEWARE OF OTHER’S BLOOD Do not share needles Do not share personal care articles Be careful when doing first aid

How Much Do You Know?

True or False?

1. AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). True or False? 1. AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). TRUE AIDS is the late clinical stage of the disease when the immune system can no longer function well and protect the body against illnesses. This happens when HIV over a long period of time, weakens the immune system.

True or False? A blood test can detect the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood stream. TRUE A blood test can be ordered by or taken at: Your doctor’s office Any walk-in clinic Sexual Health Centre

True or False? A positive HIV antibody test means that a person has AIDS. FALSE It only means that the person has been infected by the virus. They may have no symptoms for 10 years or more.

True or False? A person who is HIV+ can infect others even though he/she has no symptoms. TRUE Someone who is HIV+ can infect others by sharing needles/syringes and through sexual intercourse.

True or False? HIV is as highly contagious as the common cold. FALSE HIV is not transmitted casually. The infected blood, semen or vaginal secretions have to be put inside the body.

True or False? Shaking hands with a person who is HIV+ will increase your risk of getting AIDS. FALSE You cannot get AIDS by any casual contact with an infected person.

7. A person who is HIV+ feels sick. True or False? 7. A person who is HIV+ feels sick. FALSE A person who is HIV+ may not feel sick for 10 years or more.

True or False? The risk of HIV infection increases with the number of sexual partners, male or female that one has. TRUE The more partners one has, the greater the risk.

True or False? TRUE 9. There is no cure for AIDS. There are new medications, which are helping people live longer and feel better.

True or False? increase your risk of becoming HIV+. TRUE 10. Sharing needles is one way to increase your risk of becoming HIV+. TRUE Blood is sticky and can be found inside the needle or syringe, even if it is not visible.

True or False? Condoms are 100% effective in protecting people against HIV infection. FALSE Proper condom use reduces the risk against infection. However, condoms can fail – they may break or slip off. Condoms are not effective if not used correctly or stored properly, etc.

True or False? HIV is destroyed by a solution of chlorine bleach and water outside the body. TRUE The virus is unstable outside the body and can be killed with many common disinfectants.

List 5 ways that may help protect you from HIV infection. Practice abstinence Have one faithful uninfected sexual partner in your life Both partners be tested before having sexual intercourse Always use latex condoms Practice universal precautions