Grade 8 topic 2Grade 8 topic 2

HIV / AIDSHIV / AIDS

What is HIV?H umanI mmunodeficiencyV irus

• The virus that slowly destroys the immune system, causing AIDS

• HIV positive (HIV+) means the virus has entered the body

• The person doesn’t know it, the person looks and feels healthy

• BUT – can spread the virus to other people

What is AIDS?

A cquired

I mmuno

D eficiency

S yndrome

• Result of having been HIV+ for a long time• Immune system is severely damaged• Person looks and feels very sick• Person eventually dies

HIV is NOT spread by:

• Everyday contact with people• Going to school and being friends with a person who is HIV+• Shaking hands, hugging, kissing• Touching doorknobs, toilet seats, telephones, dishes, towels,

etc.• Crying, coughing, sneezing• Sharing food or a drink with someone who is HIV+• Mosquito and other insect bites• Dogs, cats, pets• Swimming pools or gym equipment

HIV is not a disease that you “catch” like the flu or common cold.

HIV is spread through

• The exchange of body fluids

• Semen• Vaginal fluids• Blood• Breastmilk

Transmission of HIV

Sexual Intercourse

with an HIV+ partner (vaginal, anal, or oral)

Infected Blood

through sharing HIV contaminated needles

Pregnancy

or breastfeeding by a HIV+ mother

Blood Transfusionsof HIV infected blood (very rare since 1985)

What are the symptoms of HIV infection?

May seem like the flu:• Fatigue• Fever• Aches and pains

Person probably recovers and may remain healthy for years.

Eventually symptoms return and become more persistent and prolonged.

Healthy periods get shorter; sick periods get longer.

HIV is Preventable!

• SEXUALLY

Abstain

One uninfected partner

Both partners get a health check first

Reduce number of sexual partners

Always use condoms

HIV is Preventable!

• BEWARE OF OTHER’S BLOOD

Do not share needles

Do not share personal care articles

Be careful when doing first aid

For More Information…

• AIDS Niagara (905) 984-8684

• Ontario AIDS Hotline 1-800-668-2437

• Your doctor or Sexual Health Centre