Grade 8 topic 2 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

If we take the numberof people with full blown AIDS, they would represent the small area (the tip of the iceberg). The middle part would be people with HIV that have some symtoms. The largest number of people would be “under the waterline” and unseen. These people would be HIV+ but have no symptoms. They may unknowingly spread the virus for many years before they discover they are HIV+.

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 Infected body fluids of one person must enter another person’s body for them to become infected.

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 infection? 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 Abstinence – no sexual intercourse. Have a sexual relationship with one lifelong, faithful, uninfected partner (monogamous relationship) Health check – both partners get checked for disease and wait for the results before sexual intercourse occurs. If the test is done too soon after the last risky behaviour, it is possible to get a false negative result. Reduce the number of sexual partners – as the number of sexual partners increases, so does the risk of HIV. Always use latex condoms. Although not 100% effective, they do reduce the risk of infection.

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

For More Information… AIDS Niagara (905) 984-8684 Ontario AIDS Hotline 1-800-668-2437 Your doctor or Sexual Health Centre