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Sexual Health Information |
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The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
HIV attacks the immune system. The immune system is the body's defense against disease. When the immune system is attacked, it leads to a chronic and progressive illness. The infected person is then at risk for getting the opportunistic infections and cancers that mean a person has AIDS.
The average time from getting infected with HIV to developing one or more of the AIDS illnesses is now longer than 10 years.
AIDS is fatal. There is no cure. However, treatment is available.
How is it spread?
HIV is a fragile virus that can't live outside the human body. That is why a person can't get infected with HIV from a toilet seat or from sharing dishes or cutlery.
There are only 4 body fluids in an infected person that have enough HIV in them to infect someone:
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids (including menstrual fluid)
- Breast milk
HIV is transmitted through:
Unprotected sexual intercourse with someone who has HIV
- Vaginal
- Oral
Although this has been rare, the number of men getting Syphilis from oral sex and then getting HIV is rising
- Anal
There are some things that make it easier to get HIV:
- having an untreated STI
- having Syphilis
- receiving vaginal or anal sex
Risk-reduction:
Using condoms will significantly reduce the chances of HIV transmission.
If you have casual sex, or use the Internet to find partners, it is especially important to practise safer sex.
Needle sharing
The virus can be spread through sharing needles, syringes and other body piercing instruments with someone who is infected with HIV. This includes tattoo needles and acupuncture equipment.
Risk-reduction:
There are many needle exchange programs in Toronto so people can use a clean needle every time.
Pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding when the mother is infected.
Risk-reduction:
If a woman has HIV and gets pregnant, she can take medication that will significantly reduce the chance of her baby's getting the virus. She would be advised not to breastfeed her baby. Testing for HIV is part of pre-natal care.
Work-related exposure in a healthcare setting
Risk-reduction:
If a person working in a healthcare setting is exposed to HIV, treatment must be started as quickly as possible to prevent them from becoming infected with the virus.
What are the symptoms?
A person can't tell if they have HIV by the way they look or feel. A person can't tell if another person has HIV just by looking at him or her. People with HIV can look and feel healthy for many years.
How is it diagnosed?
The test for HIV involves taking a blood sample. The test looks for antibodies to the virus. These antibodies may not develop until the virus has been in the body for about 3 months. If the virus is found, the test result is HIV Positive. That means the person has HIV. If the result is HIV Negative, it means no antibodies have been found in the blood. The person does not have HIV. Sometimes, a repeat test is needed if the first test was done before the 3-month waiting period is over.
How is it treated?
There are healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about HIV and can monitor the health of a person with HIV/AIDS. They can also help decide what the best treatments are. The availability of HAART (Highly Active AntiRetroviral Therapy - also called a "drug cocktail" or combination therapy) has allowed many people with HIV/AIDS to live longer. HAART has greatly reduced deaths due to AIDS and related complications. However, HAART medications have mild to severe side effects.
For more information:
AIDS and Sexual Health InfoLine
1-800-668-2437
Toronto Health Connection 416-338-7600
Toronto Sexual Health Clinics
Syphilis
Safer sex
Needle Exchange Program (The Works)
HIV/AIDS Resources
Links to sites outside the City of Toronto website are provided for convenience and additional general information only. Toronto Public Health does not endorse any advertisements and is not responsible for the content and opinions found on external sites.
The information posted on this site, as well as linked sites, is not a substitute for a
professional medical opinion.
AIDS Committee of Toronto - HIV/AIDS Information
AIDS Committee of Toronto - Safer Drug Use
Health Canada - HIV/AIDS Information
Canadian HIV/AIDS Information Centre
Motherisk - HIV and pregnancy information
Hassle Free Clinic, Toronto, Ontario
Hassle Free Clinic provides free medical and counselling services in many areas of sexual health. There are separate hours and phone numbers for women and men.
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