Protect yourself and the ones you love
What are HIV and AIDS?

• HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system
• HIV causes a number of symptoms and illnesses, including AIDS
• People with HIV do not have AIDS

A positive HIV antibody test means that you have HIV, and can pass the virus on and infect others

Does everyone with HIV develop AIDS?
Many people with HIV develop AIDS, but early diagnosis, new drugs, and other treatments are helping people stay healthy longer.

How do people become infected with HIV?
HIV virus is found in blood, semen and vaginal secretions of an HIV infected person. It is passed on through:

• Penetrative sexual intercourse (anal, vaginal or oral)
• Sharing needles to take drugs

Direct contact with HIV infected blood

What are the symptoms of AIDS?
Some people have HIV for months or years and experience no symptoms. Some symptoms that may develop include:

• Persistent fever
• Night sweats
• Swollen glands
• Skin lesions or sores
• Extreme fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Neurological problems
• Vaginal infections

Chronic yeast infection

How can people with HIV stay healthy?

• See your doctor regularly and inform your doctor of any unusual symptoms or illness
• Eat well
• Get plenty of rest
• Exercise regularly
• Develop and keep supportive relationships
• Try to avoid other infections and illnesses
• Reduce the use of alcohol and tobacco, and avoid illegal drug use
• Keep working or become an active volunteer. People who are busy stay healthy longer

Avoid HIV re-infection. The HIV virus is constantly changing. You could become infected with a slightly different strain of the virus and put your health at further risk

How can I avoid passing HIV to others?
Safe Sex & HIV:
It is very important to talk openly with your partner. Tell your partner you are HIV positive, and discuss safe sex ahead of time.

• Avoid penetrative sex. Anal and vaginal sex poses the highest risk for infection. If you and your partner agree to have penetrative sex, a condom must be used. The risk is lower for oral sex (mouth to penis or vagina)
• During mouth to penis oral sex, when the man is HIV positive, a condom should be used
• During mouth to vagina oral sex, when the woman is HIV positive, a dental dam should be used
• Hugging, kissing, massage and masturbation are safe as long as they do not lead to penetration or contact with blood or semen
• Never share sex toys
• Avoid sexual activities that cause bleeding
• Avoid oral/anal sex (mouth to anus). The risk of Hepatitis A and B is very high
• Avoid intravenous drug use, especially when it involves the sharing of needles
• Do not donate blood, sperm, ova, or organs
• Do not share toothbrushes or razors

Avoid anything that causes bleeding, such as: tattooing, electrolysis or ear/body piercing

What can I do if I have HIV and use needles to take drugs?
The best way to avoid passing HIV to other needle drug users is to stop using drugs.

For more information on drug addiction call Addiction and Mental Health Services at 1-800-387-2916.

Use the following suggestions for safe needle drug use, while you are trying to get help for drug addiction:

• Tell drug partners that you have HIV
• Always use clean needles and syringes
• Never share or reuse needles
• If you don't have unused needles, find out how to clean them with bleach, by calling the confidential AIDS hotline at 1-800-668-2437

To get clean needles and syringes, call the AIDS Committee of Windsor Needle Exchange at 973-0222

The Health Unit provides anonymous, confidential HIV testing at all 3 sites. Call for an appointment:

• To make an appointment for Leamington call, 326-5716 ext. 2100

To make an appointment for Windsor or Essex call, 258-2146 ext. 1200 or 1201

Windsor:
Services are available for all Windsor-Essex County residents (no age restriction). Nurse's clinics are open Monday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Appointments must be made for Monday evening clinics. Tuesday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., appointments are preferred, but not necessary. The Windsor clinic is now open through the lunch hour. Doctor clinics are Mondays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Appointments are needed. Times may vary.

This is basic information only. It must not take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a healthcare professional about any health concerns you have, and before you make any changes to your diet, lifestyle or treatment.