HIV-AIDS
The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is characterized by a number of symptoms caused by a virus that attacks the immune system (the body’s natural defense system) and that is defined as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This immune system deficiency leaves the door open for a number of different viruses present in the environment. A person whose immune system is weakened runs a higher risk of catching various infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections. Pneumonia and toxoplasmosis are examples. However, an untreated seropositive person can also catch a number of other infections.
Transmission modes:
All Unprotected Sexual Relations
Whether they are vaginal, oral or anal, unprotected relations involve the risk of transmitting HIV.
Sharing of Injection Material
The sharing of injection material also involves a high risk of transmission. Sharing syringes, water, spoons, filters or any other injection related object presents a high level of HIV transmission risk. Furthermore, other infections such as hepatitis C and B are also transmitted that way.
Tattooing and Piercing
If not properly sterilized, the material used by tatooers and piercers can be a means of transmitting HIV.
Pregnancy, Mother-Child Transmission
A mother can transmit the virus during childbirth or through breastfeeding. A screening test can allow for treatment of the fetus and will prevent the transmission of the virus.
Blood Transfusions Previous to 1985
Since 1985, blood is tested in order to detect the HIV virus. Today, the risk of contracting HIV this way is almost nil.
Wounds/Scratches
Wounds or scratches can represent a risk if the unscarred wound is in contact with the biological fluids (blood, sperm, vaginal secretions) of an infected person.
Screening :
HIV can be detected through a blood test which can be performed even under the influence of a substance. You must wait a minimum of 3 months after the unprotected contact in order to detect HIV antibodies in the blood. If the person maintains a high risk behavior after the test, a new blood test will be necessary. Anonymous tests are available at some CLSCs (see the Bottin des ressources under the Dépistage heading) Symptoms
HIV can remain asymptomatic for many years. However, the infected person can still transmit the virus if she doesn’t use necessary preventive measures.
Infected persons can present flu-like symptoms (tiredness, fever, headaches) in the weeks following contact with the virus.
As the immune systems keeps weakening, various symptoms appear and diseases identified as “opportunistic diseases” can start appearing. Viruses or bacteria that cause these diseases are usually harmless for persons with reliable immune systems.
Treatment
At this point in time, there is no treatment to cure HIV-AIDS. However, several medication-based treatments (anti-HIV) are available to slow down the propagation of the virus. For complete information regarding treatments and research, please visit www.catie.ca
