BASIC HIV/AIDS INFORMATION

What are HIV and AIDS?

HIV is a virus that attacks the human immune system. As the immune system weakens it makes it difficult for individuals living with HIV to fight simple things, like the cold or flu. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

As the immune system is slowly weakened over time, individuals become more susceptible to a range of other serious illness. When the body gets much sicker with different diseases as a result of HIV this is called AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

It is important to know – there is still NO CURE for HIV/AIDS. Once you have it, you have it for life! Prevention of infection is the only way to avoid HIV/AIDS. PREVENTION is about having knowledge of what HIV/AIDS is, how it is spread, and how to guard against possible exposure.

How is HIV Spread?

HIV can be spread through various different risk behaviours, including:

• Unprotected anal or vaginal sex (less but still some risk for oral sex);
• Sharing injection drug needles, particularly when not properly cleaned with a bleach and water mixture;
• Sharing other substance use equipment (e.g, snorting, etc.); and
• HIV positive mother-to-child at birth or during breast feeding

Where do you find HIV?

HIV is found in bodily fluids, including:

• Semen
• Blood
• Vaginal fluids
• Breast milk

There is almost no HIV in:

• Tears
• Sweat
• Spit (saliva)