HOW DO I GET HIV?

“HIV is a human virus.Only humans get HIV andany human can get it.The immune systemprotects us againstinfections. HIV weakensour immune system,making it less able toprevent and fight off illness.There isn’t a cure for mostviruses and you can’t useantibiotics to treat them.Both of these things aretrue of HIV. It is also truethat treatment is availableto help control or managethe HIV virus. “Source: YouthCowww.youthco.orgTAKE ACTIONBe Part ofGeneration Zero.www.aidszero.caLEARNTALK - LISTEN - TEACH - ENGAGEEducate yourself and those you love about HIV/AIDS.We know how to prevent HIV. Today we can begin a generation inwhich the number of people who become infected with HIV equalszero. Generation Zero can start today.HOW DO I GET HIV?HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV attacks andweakens the immune system. Our immune system protects our bodiesfrom infections and helps us get better when we’re sick. HIV is a virusthat is transmitted through blood, semen (cum), vaginal fluids, analfluids and breast milk.The main risks are having unprotected sex and sharing needles orequipment for injecting drugs.You can get infected if you have:• vaginal or anal intercourse without a condom (this is very highrisk).• transferring sex toys from one partner to another partner allowssharing of infected fluids (this is high risk).• oral sex without protection, where semen or vaginal fluid oranal fluid or menstrual blood enters open cuts or sores in yourmouth (this is lower risk).You can also get infected if you share:• needles or any equipment for injecting drugs like cocaine,heroin or steroids.2012

You cannot get infected from:• casual, everyday contact with people.• shaking hands, hugging, kissing.• coughs, sneezes.• giving blood.• swimming pools, toilet seats.• sharing eating utensils, water fountains.• mosquitoes, other insects, animals.HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE HIV?The HIV test is a simple blood test that tells you whether or not you are HIV positive (infected withHIV). The HIV test is voluntary. You cannot be forced to take one.Consider getting tested if you, or your partner(s), have ever:• had sex without a condom. You can’t tell if someone has HIV unless they’ve been tested.• had sex after you drank alcohol or took drugs. You might not have used protection.• shared needles or syringes to inject drugs (or other drug equipment: water, cotton filters, cookers, pipes, straws).• had tattooing, piercing, or acupuncture without sterilized equipment.• Shared sex toys from one partner to another.• had a blood transfusion or other blood products before November 1986.If you are a positive youth practice safer sex to protect you and your partner and:• Have regular sexual-health check-ups.• Stay up to date by seeking out the latest information on HIV and related illnesses.RESOURCESFind out what HIV youth resources are available in your community: http://cdnaids.ca/members.nsf/memberlistwebbyservice!Openview&language=english.