HIV/AIDS symptoms, prevention and treatment
Condoms can protect against HIV transmission during sex.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). This virus attacks the immune system and makes a person vulnerable to many different kinds of infections, diseases and cancers.
Make an appointment at any of our clinics in Greater Victoria to have a confidential HIV/AIDS test, or to find out more. We also offer non-nominal (no name required) tests.
- How HIV spreads
- HIV/AIDS prevention
- HIV/AIDS symptoms
- Risks of untreated HIV/AIDS
- HIV tests and diagnosis
- HIV/AIDS treatment
For further reading, see our links and other resources.
How HIV spreads
Worldwide, millions of people are living with HIV and millions more have died of AIDS. In Canada, the incidence is rising.
HIV/AIDS is spread by sharing blood, sexual fluids and some bodily fluids.
- HIV can be spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner, or by sharing sex toys
- HIV can be transmitted by blood to blood contact (sharing drug equipment; using unsterilized needles for tattoos, piercings or acupuncture; sharing sharp personal items such as razors, etc.)
- HIV can be spread by untested blood transfusions, organ transplants or artifical insemination. In Canada all donors have been screened for HIV since 1985.
- An infected mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth or breastfeeding.
HIV/AIDS prevention
To prevent HIV/AIDS, use good sex safety skills including regular infection screening.
- Use condoms to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS during vaginal and anal sex.
- Use condoms and dental dams to prevent transmission during oral sex.
- Avoid sharing equipment for drugs, or other items that contact blood.
- Make an appointment to get tested for HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS symptoms
- Many people have no symptoms at all for the first few years.
- When symptoms do appear, they can be varied and non-specific such as fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes and constant “other” infections.
Make an appointment to have an HIV test. We offer confidential, anonymous testing in Greater Victoria, BC.
Risks of HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS weakens the immune system, making a person vulnerable to rare infections (pneumonia) and cancers, which eventually cause death.
HIV tests and diagnosis
HIV is diagnosed with a blood test called the HIV antibody test.
After being infected with HIV, there is a window period before the antibody will show up in this blood test. Within 3 months of initial infection, the HIV antibody is detectable in 97% of infected people and in 99% after 6 months.
Make an appointment to have an HIV antibody test. We offer confidential, anonymous testing in Greater Victoria, BC.
HIV/AIDS treatment
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but there are treatments that can delay the progression of the disease. Contact our clinics for treatment resources in Victoria, or contact AIDS Vancouver Island.