HIV/AIDS

1. Is there a difference between HIV and AIDS?
   Yes. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus which causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV, over time weakens the immune system until you can no longer fight off infections and illnesses. This is when a doctor will make an AIDS diagnosis. AIDS is the end stage of the HIV infection.
    
2. How do you become infected with HIV?
   HIV is transmitted through the following activities:
               -Unprotected sex; Oral, Vagina and Anal.
               -Sharing Needles; Tattooing, Steroid or Injection drug use.
               -During pregnancy; birth or breastfeeding from mother to child.
    
3. What bodily fluids have the potential to transmit HIV?
   -Blood (Including menstrual blood)
   -Pre-cum
   -Semen
   -Vaginal Fluids
   -Anal Fluids
   -Breast milk
    
4. What does not transmit HIV?
   -Saliva and Tears
   -Urine
   -Utensils
   -Towels or bed sheets
   -Coughs or Sneezes
   -Donating Blood
   -Casual contact like kissing, hugging, and touching,
   -Caring for some living with HIV/AIDS
    
5. How does HIV affect the immune system?
   HIV attaches itself to a “T cell” and enters it. Once inside the T cell, HIV is able to multiply, which eventually leads to the destruction of the T cell. As more and more T cells become infected by HIV and destroyed, the immune system is weakened and becomes less able to fight off germs and bacteria (infection).
    
6. How would someone know they have been infected with HIV?
   The only way to know for sure would be to have a special blood test called an “HIV antibody blood test.”
    
7. Are there any symptoms that would suggest HIV infection?
   Some people with HIV develop symptoms which can be like those of many other conditions.

                        -Chronic yeast infections in the Vagina, Ears and Tongue.
                        -Frequently tired
                        -Diarrhea
                        -Dramatic weight loss
                        -Swollen lymph glands in the neck and in the armpits
                        -Sweating a lot while you sleep
                        -Fever that won’ go away

            Such symptoms are often caused by common illnesses and not by the HIV infections. If you have concerns about these symptoms, you should check with your doctor or a health care professional. 

1. How easy is it to get infected with HIV?
   If you make healthy lifestyle choices and know your risks it is very hard to become infected. Infection occurs through direct contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. This limits the routs and activities the put people at risk of infection.
    
2. How effective are condoms in preventing HIV transmission?
   Condoms, when used properly are 97-98% effective in reducing the risk of becoming pregnant or transmission of most Sexually Transmitted Infections. They have been proven to reduce the risk of HIV transmission when used properly. 
    
3. Does gender have an impact on how HIV is transmitted?
   Yes, it is easier to infect a woman through heterosexual activity than men. Throughout the world 2/3 of all infections are among woman and children. 

GET TESTED

1. If I think I may have been exposed to HIV, should I go and get tested right away?
   If you believe that you have been exposed to HIV it is Strongly Advised that you speak to your doctor or medical professional immediately. Although it can take your body up to 3 months to produce enough antibodies to be detected by the blood test. There are other underlying issues that can be addressed by your doctor immediately. Also, your body may have produced enough of the virus to infect others. Therefore you should either abstain from risk activities or take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of infecting others and your doctor can help educate you in these measures.
   
   
2. Where can I go to get tested for HIV?
   HIV test can be done by any Physician, a Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic, or an Anonymous Test Site. Ensure that you receive pre and post test counseling.
   Residents living in the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region can be tested for HIV by visiting one of the following:
   
                   -Aid Programs South Saskatchewan located at 2735 5^th Ave.
                                 Phone: 924-8420
                                 Toll Free: 1-877-210-7623
                                 Fax: 525-0904
                     *NOTE: This service is only available on Thursdays between the hours of 1:30pm – 3:30
   
                     -Your family physician or a doctor at a walk-in clinic.
   
                     - The Sexual Health Clinic at 2110 Hamilton Street – Main Floor.
                                 Phone: 766-7788 or 766-76188
   
                     -The primary care nurse at the For Directions Community Health Center
                                 Phone: 766-7540
   
                     -Anonymous testing for HIV is available in Regina.
                                 -If calling from Regina, 766-7779.
                                 -Persons living outside of Regina call toll free, 1-800-268-9888        
   
3. Do doctors automatically test you for HIV as part of an annual physical?
   No. You must ask for the HIV antibody test and give “Informed Consent.” It is important to receive pre and post test counseling.
    
4. Can someone do an HIV test on me without me knowing that it is being done?
   No. Absolutely Not. they must have your informed consent.
    
5. Can a Doctor or a Hospital force me to have an HIV test?
   No. No one can force you to have an HIV test. They must have your “Informed Consent.”   

 TREATMENT

1. Is there a cure for HIV/AIDS?
   Not at present time. Vaccines are still in the research; however there have been significant advances in the care and treatment of HIV. People with HIV now live long, productive lives. In fact, doctors think with treatment, many people with HIV might live out their natural lifespan.

1. What is Antiretroviral Therapy?
   Antiretroviral therapy (often referred to as “ARV Therapy” or “ART”) is drug therapy that has been developed to disrupt the cycle of HIV replication. ARVs come in a variety of formulations designed to act at different stages of the HIV virus life-cycle. ART usually consist of a combination of three or four different drugs, which can delay HIV replication and immune system deterioration within the body. Administering ARVs in combination is called Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) which is often more casually referred to as a “drug cocktail”. 
    
2. What does Antiretroviral therapy do?
   Retroviruses use their RNA as a template for creating DNA when inside a human host cell. This is how retroviruses multiply.
   Knowing that HIV is a retrovirus is important to understanding how HIV treatment works. HIV treatment works by preventing HIV from multiplying. It is able to block multiplication by interrupting different stages of the retrovirus multiplication process.
   There are many different “classes” of antiretroviral therapy. Each “class” of HIV ART works to fight HIV infection by interrupting various stages of the HIV replication cycle. Some stop or slow down the process of HIV from replicating within the body, while other drugs work by helping the body to fix the damage HIV has done to the immune system. Other drugs work by helping the immune system to become stronger and more effective at warding off illness and infections.
   Deciding on a combination of ART is something that an individual usually does in consultation with their doctor or other health care professionals. When deciding upon the most suitable combination for an individual, several factors are considered including but not limited to: viral load, CD4 count, previous treatments and experiences to those treatments, dosages and adherence particulars (how drugs should be taken).
   
   
3. What are the side effects of Antiretroviral therapy?
   The medicines that make up antiretroviral therapy (ART) cause change within the body and often these changes come with side effects. Different people may have different reactions to the various drug cocktails. Some people experience mild side effects while others may experience more severe side effects. For some, combinations are easily tolerated and no negative side effects are experienced.
   Side effects tend to be most common among individuals recently after starting ART or following changes to a treatment regimen. Side effects may be manageable and may improve or disappear over time. They may also persist and impact a person’s quality of life.
   Common side effects may include but are not limited to:
   Fatigue, headaches, anemia, digestive problems, gas and bloating, dry mouth, diarrhea, nausea.
   It is always important to discuss side effects with your doctor. If side effects last longer than a few days or seem to be getting worse, a doctor should be contacted immediately rather than waiting until your next visit.

OTHER HIV/AIDS FAQS

1. If I test positive for HIV infection, do I have to tell anyone?
   It is entirely up to you who you tell. However, it is Strongly Advised to let your sexual and/or injection drug use partner(s) know. You can know be charged under the Criminal Code of Canada for knowingly infecting others without disclosing your HIV positive status. You must take the necessary precautions to reduce the risks of transmitting HIV to others. 
    
2. How long can someone live with HIV infection?
   A person living with HIV can lead a normal and productive life for many years. Healthier lifestyles and new treatments help people with HIV stay healthy and live longer.
    
3. Can I still get HIV from a blood donation?
   No. All blood donations are now checked for blood borne pathogens.