HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is an infection that attacks the immune system and can be transmitted sexually and through blood. Learn how to stay protected, what the symptoms are, and what to do if you think you've been infected.
To remember
👉 HIV is transmitted through specific bodily fluids (blood, semen, etc.) during unprotected sexual intercourse or sharing needles.
👉 There is no cure, but medications allow people to live long and healthy lives, and even eliminate the risk of transmission.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually and blood-borne infection caused by a virus. It attacks the immune system and, if left untreated, can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Some people do not develop symptoms even if they are carriers of HIV. A person who carries the virus is said to be HIV-positive.
A few decades ago, the terms HIV and AIDS evoked a lot of fear and prejudice. Many affected people were rejected or judged. People would make jokes about it or sometimes spread hurtful rumors. Today, thanks to medical progress and better information, we know that HIV is not transmitted through simple contact and that people under treatment can live normal lives without risk of transmission. Things have changed significantly, and it's important to continue fighting misinformation surrounding this diagnosis.
Transmission
Contrary to common misconceptions, you cannot get HIV by hugging, shaking hands, or kissing an infected person.
For the virus to be transmitted, an infected fluid (blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or breast milk) needs to come into direct contact with another person’s blood.
The virus must therefore have an entry point into a person’s bloodstream (i.e. an open wound, a cut, a burn, or another type of lesion).
The virus can be transmitted:
Through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person (with or without symptoms), via:
Vaginal penetration (penis penetrating the vagina)
Anal penetration (penis penetrating the anus)
Sharing sex toys
Less frequently, by performing oral sex (fellatio or cunnilingus)
By sharing drug inhalation or injection paraphernalia (straws, needles, pipes, etc.)
A mother can pass the infection on to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or when breastfeeding.
Symptoms
The symptoms for HIV are similar to those of the flu and appear two to four weeks after contact with the virus. However, some people will have no symptoms for several years, meaning they can transmit HIV without knowing they are infected.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, an infected person who has symptoms may see the following signs:
Fever
Sore throat
Headache
Muscle and joint pain
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin
These symptoms go away on their own within 1 to 3 weeks, but the person is still infected with the virus.
💡When in doubt, contact Info-Santé (811) or get tested.
If left untreated, HIV can cause major health problems. Progression to AIDS can have serious health consequences and even lead to death.
Testing and treatment
Testing is done via a blood test that you can take 3 to 4 weeks after having been in contact with the virus.
If you think you've been in contact with the virus, it's recommended to speak with a healthcare professional as quickly as possible: depending on your risk level, you might receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment to be taken within 72 hours following exposure to reduce your risk of contracting HIV.
It's important to wait 3 to 4 weeks after a possible HIV exposure to get tested, because the body needs time to produce enough antibodies or detectable viral material. This period is called the "window period."
💡If the test is done too early, it can give a false negative. In case of doubt, a second test 6 weeks or 3 months after exposure is recommended to confirm the results.
Currently, there is no cure for HIV. However, there are medications that reduce the viral load (amount of virus in the body) and prevent complications. When HIV is managed quickly by a healthcare professional, it's possible to live a long and healthy life. It's even possible to reduce one's viral load with medication to the point of no longer risking transmitting it to sexual partners.
Prevention
To avoid contracting or transmitting HIV:
Use a condom when engaging in vaginal or anal penetration.
Also avoid sharing sex toys and drug inhalation or injection equipment.
Also ask your sexual partners if they have been tested recently.
To undergo a full STI screening, it is recommended to wait 3 months after the last unprotected sexual intercourse. It is strongly recommended to use condoms until both partners have been tested to eliminate transmission risks.
💡If you have contracted HIV, it's important to tell your partners so they can get tested and thus avoid transmitting it to other people. Also know that HIV weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to contracting other STIs.
Important legal information
In Canada, the law obliges a person living with HIV to inform their sexual partners in certain situations.
According to the Supreme Court of Canada, a person must disclose their HIV status if there is a risk of transmission, meaning if:
they do not have an undetectable viral load and
they do not use protection, such as a condom
However, if the viral load is undetectable, there is no legal obligation to disclose, as there is no risk of transmission.
These rules are based on advancements in treatments, which allow HIV-positive individuals on effective treatment to no longer transmit the virus (undetectable = untransmittable).
Sources: Public Health Agency of Canada; The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada; CATIE; Gouvernement du Québec
