For the most recent information on prevalence and incidence of HIV in Canada, please go to the Public Health Agency of Canada HIV/AIDS reports and publications website. The summary of HIV prevalance and incidence estimates for 2008 can be found here.

For the most recent information on the prevalence and incidence of HIV in the United States, please go to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV Resources and Factsheets website for the US.

For the most recent information on the prevalence and incidence of HIV globally, please go to the World Health Organization HIV/AIDS Data and Statistics website.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the immune system - the body's defense against disease/illness. When HIV weakens the immune system, the HIV positive individual becomes more susceptible to diseases/infections that normally would not affect him or her.

HIV spreads through contact with blood, sexual fluids (semen, pre-cum, vaginal fluids), or the breast milk of an HIV positive person.
Transmission can occur through:

• Unprotected sex (sex without a condom), that involves anal, vaginal or oral penetration
• The sharing of used syringes or needles (for drugs, medications or body art)
• Maternal transfer from an HIV positive woman to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding (The chance of having a healthy baby can be greatly increased with proper medical care during and after pregnancy).

HIV cannot be passed on from one person to another through casual contact and there is no risk of infection when we share everyday items such as food, dishes, utensils, clothes, beds and toilets with an HIV positive individual.

Your risk of infection depends on your level of exposure to HIV positive body fluids during the activities you partcipate in. Different activities have different level of risks. For more information on prevention of HIV, please refer to the World Health Organization HIV Prevention website.

Anyone can become infected with HIV regardless of age, gender, sexual identity (straight, gay or bisexual), financial status, and racial/ethnic identity.

It is possible to become infected with HIV through a blood transfusion, however it is very rare. Although there have been some cases of HIV transmission through blood transfusions in the past, tests have been in place for several years to make sure that the blood you get in the hospital contains no HIV.

Giving blood is compltely risk-free; needles and syringes for collecting blood are only used once.

You can not tell if someone is HIV positive. Testing is the only way to someone can find out his or her HIV status.

Some people may develop symptoms that are similar to those of other illnesses (shortly after being infected) and may only last a few weeks; symptoms like diarrhea, dramatic weight loss, fever, or constant fatigue. Such symptoms are often caused by other illnesses. However, if you have concerns about these symptoms please check-in with your doctor. For many people, if often takes many years before a person infected with HIV displays any symptoms of infection.

For more information on HIV and the signs and symptoms please go to www.aids.gov

She should consult a health care provider who knows about HIV disease. Prenatal HIV testing is routinely offered to all pregnant women in Canada and the US. Maternal transfer of HIV from a HIV positive woman to her child can occur during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. However, the use of anti-viral drugs, cesarean delivery and refraining from breast feeding can greatly reduce the risk of mother to child transmission of HIV.

The most effective form of HIV/AIDS treatment is medication called Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART). There are a number of ART medications that work directly on the virus and stop it from replicating itself in your body and allow your immune system to stay healthy. The combination of medications help individuals keep their HIV disease under control. By living a healthy lifestyle, recieving the right combination of medication and visiting your healthcare provider regularly, HIV can be a chronic, manageable disease.

There is no cure for HIV infection and AIDS. Some people have lived with AIDS for many years. The development of new treatments and increased knowledge help many people live with AIDS even longer.

In many locations, public clinics offer a free nominal, non-nominal testing or anonymous test. Private clinics, hospitals and medical facilities may also offer testing, please check with your local healthcare provider for testing locations near you.

In all circumstances the HIV testing process should be completely confidential. Please consult with your healthcare provider as to the confidentiality of your HIV test experience.

The only way to be sure of your HIV status is to get tested. Testing may be especially right for you if you think that you may have been in contact with an HIV positive body fluid or have participated in a risky activity. Please refer to aids.gov for more information on HIV Transmission and your level of risk.

Consult a clinician experienced in treating HIV/AIDS.

If you have any questions or want additional information, ask your healthcare provider or contact your local health department.

In the US you can also call the toll-free CDC National AIDS Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS (2437), Spanish: 1-800-344-7432, to talk with an HIV specialist. They can give you quick, private answers at any time, day or night. An AIDS service organization near you can also provide information, education and the help you may need.

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