HOW IS IT TRANSMITTED

HOW IS HIV TRANSMITTED?

In order for there to be a risk of HIV passing from one person to another person, there must be three things present:

1) Body Fluid capable of transmitting HIV blood, breast milk, vaginal fluids, pre cum, or semen

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2) Activities that involve these fluids unprotected sex, sharing needles, perinatal transmission (mother to baby), or breast feeding

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3) Direct access into bloodstream Receptor cells in urethra, cervix and anus, needles into bloodstream, open cuts or sores

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Risk of HIV

What this means is:

HIV is not carried in significant levels in sweat, spit, tears, or urine. HIV also cannot live in air or water. You will not get HIV from these activities:

• Sharing food, dishes, cutlery and towels.
• Using toilet seats and swimming pools.
• Casual contact such as kissing, touching, and hugging.

The three main ways HIV can be passed from person to person are:

Unprotected Sex – vaginal, or anal sex without a condom.
Shared Needles – sharing injection, tattooing or piercing needles, or other drug use equipment
Mother To Baby – during birth or by breastfeeding

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Some symptoms of HIV infection are:

• persistent fatigue;
• unexplained weight loss;
• night sweats;
• fever; and
• diarrhea.

These symptoms are quite general and are similar to those seen in other illnesses. If you are concerned, you should check them with your doctor. Many people who are infected with HIV may not show any signs or symptoms at all for a long time.

CAN I BE HIV POSITIVE AND HEALTHY?

Yes! It is possible for individuals to be HIV positive and healthy. It is estimated that for every 3 cases of active AIDS, there are over 10 cases of people living with HIV who have few or no symptoms.

PREVENTION TIPS:

Whether or not to take the risk of getting HIV is your own choice and you should decide for yourself. You should never be forced into doing anything that you do not feel comfortable doing under any circumstances. Keep in mind that at this time there is no cure for HIV or AIDS.

Abstinence from high-risk activities is the only 100% effective prevention method; this means abstaining 100% of the time. However, there are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of passing on or getting HIV if you cannot abstain.

Some ways to reduce your risk include the following tips:

1) Safer sex and condom use

• You can reduce your risk by engaging in low risk activities such as kissing, touching, and masturbation.
• Vaginal and Anal Sex without a condom carry the highest level of risk for HIV transmission. Oral sex has a lower risk of transmission.
• For vaginal, anal, or oral sex, it is important to use condoms or dental dams made of latex or polyurethane.
• Use a water-based lubricant (non-petroleum) to help to prevent the condoms from breaking.

2) Do not share needles.
• Because used needles carry other people’s blood, always use new needles.
• Contact ASIA or your nearest needle exchange to find out where to get clean needles. Remember that HIV is transmitted through four primary body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Avoid activities where there is an opportunity for these fluids to enter your blood stream.

TESTING:

A blood test can check for the presence of HIV antibodies in blood. The results take about 2 to 3 weeks to return from the lab. Everyone in BC is entitled to a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL HIV test.

What this means is that you are not required to:

• Show any identification;
• Have a health care card;
• Have parent’s permission;
• Be over 18 years of age;
• Give your full name;
• Give your birth date; or
• Pay. What is required is:
• A set of initials (which you can make up);
• Only the year of your birth; and
• That you are a resident of BC.

WHEN SHOULD I GET TESTED?

If you are sexually active it is a good idea to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) once per year. Otherwise it is a good idea to get tested:

• If the condom breaks or you have sex without one;
• If you or your partner have shared needles for drugs, tattooing, or piercing;
• If you have been forced to have sex or think you might have been;
• If you or your partner either have, have had, or suspect that you have an STI; and
• Before deciding to exchange sexual fluids both you and your partner should get tested. Keep in mind that partners are not always truthful about their STI status.

If you think you might have been exposed to HIV, get tested as soon as you feel that you’re ready. An HIV test will tell you if you have HIV by testing whether you have HIV antibodies (HIV fighter cells) in your blood. It takes some time after you are first exposed to HIV for antibodies to appear. This usually happens between 2 weeks and 3 months after infection. For this reason, you should go back to get tested a second time 3 months later.

WHERE CAN YOU GO TO GET TESTED:

Everyone can get a test from his or her family doctor, local health clinic or at the hospital. If you need to find out more about where you can go, require translation or would like somebody to accompany you please contact the Asian Society for the Intervention of AIDS (ASIA), at (604) 669-5567.