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Grade 8 topic 2. HIV / AIDS. What is HIV?. H uman I mmunodeficiency V 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
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Grade 8 topic 2 HIV / AIDS
What is HIV? H uman I mmunodeficiency V 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 Transfusions of 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