Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Developed by: Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority (NITHA) Public Health Unit

HIV Infection What is HIV? HIV or human immunodeficiency virus is the virus that causes HIV infection and which damages the body’s immune system. What is HIV Infection? A condition where HIV is present in the body. This condition can advance to a fatal stage, called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

HIV Infection How is HIV spread? By blood – example through sharing of needles. By semen(including pre-cum) - through unprotected sex . By anal (bum) fluid - through unprotected anal sex. By vaginal fluid - through unprotected vaginal sex By breast milk. Breast milk of HIV positive moms contains HIV.  

HIV Infection HIV IS NOT spread by: Ordinary contact like kissing, touching, hugging, or shaking hands, etc. Sharing food, dishes, spoon/fork, drinking glasses, etc. Contact with surfaces like door knobs, tables, chairs, car seats, toilets, etc. Swimming in the same water pool or body of water. Sneezing or coughing. Mosquito / insect bites  

HIV Infection Who is at greatest risk? Anyone who shares needles during IV drug use. Anyone who engages in unprotected sex with new, unknown or who have more than one partner. Sex includes vaginal, anal and oral. Babies born to mothers with HIV. Babies who are breastfed by HIV positive mothers.

HIV Infection What are the signs and symptoms? Individuals with HIV infection may have no or mild signs and symptoms at early stage. At early stage, non-specific symptoms may include fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, weight loss, fatigue and headache. When AIDS has developed, additional symptoms appear. Symptoms of infection appear as immunity goes down.  

HIV Infection Can HIV be cured? HIV has no cure but has treatment which can slow down progression to AIDS. The person with treatment can live normally. Get tested if: You think your partner has had sex with someone else. You have had sex with more than one person in the last year. You have had sex with a new partner within the last three months. You or your partner uses IV drugs.

HIV infection The only sure way to protect yourself from getting an HIV is NOT to have sex with anybody and not using drugs and sharing needles. If you have sex: Practice safer sex Use condom for vaginal and anal sex Use condom or dental dam for oral sex. Talk to your sexual partner about having safer sex. Get vaccinated for hepatitis B. If you use drugs: Use new, clean needles, every time you use. Do not share needles and other drug use equipment.

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