~ HIV/AIDS Facts ~

  • HIV and AIDS are not the same thing
  • HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus It is a virus that attacks your immune system and causes AIDS
  • AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome A person is diagnosed with AIDS when the HIV virus has significantly weakened his/her immune system and s/he has contracted a serious infection.
  • AIDS does not discriminate. People of every age, ethnicity and sexual orientation can and do get AIDS. It’s not who you are. It’s what you do. You only have to engage in a risky behavior once to become infected.
  • Approximately 1% of Canadian population (1 in 100) is infected with HIV (2007)
  • HIV is found in blood and sexual fluids (semen, pre-ejaculate and vaginal fluids). It is transmitted through blood to blood contact and unprotected sex. HIV can also be transmitted from mother to child at any time during pregnancy, during delivery and through breast-feeding. The chance of this happening is 25%. However, there is medicine that can be taken to greatly reduce the risk of an HIV positive mother passing the infection onto her child. With treatment, this risk drops to 2%. So, if you are pregnant and there is a chance you may be HIV positive, talk to your doctor or clinician immediately.
  • You Can get HIV, if you:
    • Have unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral)
    • Share sex toys
    • Share needles or drug injection equipment
    • Share tattoo needles or ink
    • Share needles or jewelry to get a body piercing
    • Share acupuncture needles
    • Take part in any activity that includes contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids
    • Had a blood transfusion before 1985
  • You Cannot get HIV from:
    • Donating blood
    • Talking, shaking hands, eating or working with someone
    • Hugs or Kisses
    • Coughs, sneezes or tears
    • Water fountains or toilet seats
    • Bed sheets or towels

A person with HIV may not feel or look sick for years; but can still infect others. The only way to know if you are HIV positive or not, is by getting tested. HIV tests are free and confidential in BC. To get tested or for more information, contact your doctor, public health nurse, or ASK Wellness Centre.