HIV and AIDS
What is it?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV damages your immune system, making it harder for you to fight other illnesses.
How do I get it?
HIV spreads when infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluid gets into your blood. It can enter your blood through a break in your skin or mucosa (thin, wet skin inside your mouth, vagina or rectum) – which you might not even know you have. It’s mainly spread through sexual contact, or when injection drug needles or tattoo equipment are shared. There also may be a risk of transmitting HIV by sharing crack pipes and ‘sniffing’ gear. HIV can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, during delivery, and after delivery via breastfeeding.
What should I be looking for?
Many people have no idea they even have been infected with HIV. They may not look or feel sick, and they may not show any symptoms for 7 to 10 years after they’re infected. They might feel like they have the cold or flu soon after they’ve been infected, but they likely won’t know they have HIV.
How do I get tested?
HIV is diagnosed through a blood test at your health care provider’s office or a clinic.
Can I get rid of it?
There is no cure for HIV. However, there is effective treatment for HIV that can slow down the virus in the body. This helps people to stay healthier and even prevent sexual transmission of HIV to their partners.
‘Morning-after’ / Post-exposure prophylaxis
Just like we have the Morning-after Pill to help prevent pregnancy, there’s also something like a ‘morning-after’ treatment if you might have been exposed to HIV very recently. It’s called ‘Post-Exposure Prophylaxis,’ or PEP. It consists of taking anti-HIV drugs very soon after a possible exposure, to prevent an HIV infection from establishing. PEP isn’t available to everyone, and it should be started within just a couple hours after exposure (and no more than 72 hours after exposure). If you’ve had contact with someone who you suspect might be HIV positive (through unprotected anal or vaginal sex, needlestick injuries, or sharing needles), go to your local emergency room — HSC is recommended if you are in Winnipeg — or call Health Links at (204) 788‑8200 or toll-free 1−888−315−9257.
Preventing HIV with medication — Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis – PrEP
There is medication called Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP used to prevent getting HIV. PrEP is not available to everyone in Manitoba. You need to contact a health care provider to discuss how to access PrEP and the cost. PrEP is not covered by Manitoba Pharmacare, but may be covered by some third party/private insurance companies. The cost is covered for people who have First Nations & Inuit Health Branch benefits. If you are in Winnipeg, connect with Nine Circles Community Health Centre to talk to a nurse about starting PrEP. Outside Winnipeg, you should talk to your primary care provider.