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