Got questions...

...about HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, sexual health, contraception or just about any related subject?

We hope this page answers your most common concerns.

But if you still have questions, please drop in, write to us or call. Full contact details are below.

We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Complete contact
information:

AIDS Committee
of York Region
194 Eagle Street East
Newmarket ON L3Y 1J6

Phone:
905-953-0248
Toll-free:
1-800-243-7717
Fax:
905-953-1372
E-mail:
acyr@bellnet.ca
Website:
www.acyr.org

First edition

Nutrition For Wellness

Just click on pictures on this page to view PDF files.

Presentations by Devan Nambiar

Managing side effects, and HIV
treatment and anti-retroviral medication

Devan Nambiar, an educator from the Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE), presented the following to ACYR staff in March 2008.  They are an excellent resource for all.

ACYR's most freqently asked
questions about HIV/AIDS

What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.  It is a virus that attacks your immune system. 

What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.  AIDS is the advanced stage of the disease caused by HIV.  A person who is HIV positive is said to have AIDS when he or she develops one or more opportunistic infections or certain cancers, which are "AIDS defining".

Anyone can be affected by HIV regardless of religion, age, class, race, culture or sexual orientation. 

How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is spread when the blood, semen, vaginal fluids (including menstrual fluids), or breast milk from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person.  You can become infected with HIV only when one of these four body fluids, infected with the HIV virus, comes into contact with your body in a way that allows the virus into your bloodstream. 

Pregnancy:  A woman with HIV can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy, during birth or through breastfeeding.  If a woman chooses to take anti-HIV drug treatment, the chance that the baby will be infected with HIV is low.

Sex:  Engaging in anal or vaginal sex without using a condom or sharing sex toys without washing them carefully or not using a new condom between partners can increase the risk of exposure to HIV. When a person has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) like gonorrhea, warts, or herpes, his or her risk for getting HIV increases

Needles: Another way that HIV gets into the blood is through a puncture from a needle that has already been used by someone who is HIV positive and had not been cleaned.

Blood Transfusions and Blood Products:  Since 1985 all blood products in Canada are tested for HIV. There is no chance of becoming infected while donating blood in Canada.

HIV is a fragile virus that cannot survive outside of the body.  You cannot be infected by HIV from toilet seats or from sharing food, dishes or utensils.  You cannot get HIV from saliva, sweat or urine. 

How can I protect myself?

You can avoid HIV and have no risk of exposure if you practice:

• Abstaining from sex

You can reduce the risk considerably and protect yourself if you practice:

• Safer sex by using a latex condom or female condom each time you have vaginal or anal sex or by using a condom or dental dam for oral sex.    Safer sex also means talking to your partner about HIV and knowing your status.
• Safer needle use by not sharing needles or using a new needle and supplies every time you inject.

How do I know if I have HIV?
You cannot tell if you have HIV by how you look or feel.  You cannot tell whether another person has HIV by looking at him or her.  The only way to know for sure is to take a blood test for HIV at a HIV Testing Clinic or a Sexual Health Clinic. 

What if I think I have been exposed?
If at anytime you felt that you may have been at-risk of contracting HIV, you should get tested. It is important to wait 3 months after your last risk exposure to get tested. The test can only detect HIV antibodies (not HIV itself). It takes three months for the antibodies to show up on the test.  If you are worried that you might be infected with HIV, see your doctor right away, or go to a HIV Testing Clinic, or a Sexual Health Clinic.

Revised April 25, 2008