What is AIDS?

This page was reviewed or revised on Tuesday, August 25, 2009.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the advanced stage of the disease caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

HIV attacks and damages the body's immune and nervous systems.

Everyone can be affected by HIV/AIDS - male, female, young and old.

Is there a cure for HIV infection?

Not yet! Progress has been made, but prevention is still our only defense.

How can I get infected?

• by having unprotected vaginal and/or anal sex with someone already infected.
• by sharing needles for injecting drugs like cocaine, heroin, or steroids with someone already infected.
• by receiving infected blood or blood products (since Nov. 1985 in Canada, all blood and blood products are tested for HIV antibodies).
• during pregnancy, at birth or through breastfeeding, an infected mother can pass the virus to her child.

What happens if I am infected?

After infection, people may not feel or look sick for years. However, they can still pass HIV to others.

Over time, the nervous and immune systems become damaged and HIV-infected people become sick with different illnesses.

For people living with advanced HIV infection or AIDS, their immune and nervous systems are weak. They get diseases, such as infections or cancers which can kill them.

How do I know if I am infected?

Over time, the body produces antibodies to fight the HIV virus. A blood test can tell if you have these antibodies which show you are infected.

It can take as early as 6 weeks and up to 6 months after infection for these antibodies to show.

How do I protect myself?

No risk
- abstinence (from sex or needles)
- if you and your partner are not infected and you only have sex with each other.

Some risk
- safer sex activities
- safer needle use.

What are safer sex activities?

Safer sex activities prevent contact with semen, vaginal fluids or blood. Talk to your partner about safer sex before having sex.

• Use a latex condom correctly every time you have sex.
• Use only water-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly should never be used because they may weaken the condom and cause it to break.

What is safer needle use?

• Don't share needles if you are injecting drugs.
  
• Use needle exchange programs where used needles can be exchanged for new ones, or
  rinse your needles twice in water, twice in bleach for 30 seconds, and twice in water again.