grade 8 topic 2 hiv / aids. what is hiv? human immunodeficiency virus the virus that slowly destroys...
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Grade 8 topic 2Grade 8 topic 2
HIV / AIDSHIV / AIDS
What is HIV?H umanI mmunodeficiencyV irus
• The virus that slowly destroys the immune system, causing AIDS
• HIV positive (HIV+) means the virus has entered the body
• The person doesn’t know it, the person looks and feels healthy
• BUT – can spread the virus to other people
What is AIDS?
A cquired
I mmuno
D eficiency
S yndrome
• Result of having been HIV+ for a long time• Immune system is severely damaged• Person looks and feels very sick• Person eventually dies
HIV is NOT spread by:
• Everyday contact with people• Going to school and being friends with a person who is HIV+• Shaking hands, hugging, kissing• Touching doorknobs, toilet seats, telephones, dishes, towels,
etc.• Crying, coughing, sneezing• Sharing food or a drink with someone who is HIV+• Mosquito and other insect bites• Dogs, cats, pets• Swimming pools or gym equipment
HIV is not a disease that you “catch” like the flu or common cold.
HIV is spread through
• The exchange of body fluids
• Semen• Vaginal fluids• Blood• Breastmilk
Transmission of HIV
Sexual Intercourse
with an HIV+ partner (vaginal, anal, or oral)
Infected Blood
through sharing HIV contaminated needles
Pregnancy
or breastfeeding by a HIV+ mother
Blood Transfusionsof HIV infected blood (very rare since 1985)
What are the symptoms of HIV infection?
May seem like the flu:• Fatigue• Fever• Aches and pains
Person probably recovers and may remain healthy for years.
Eventually symptoms return and become more persistent and prolonged.
Healthy periods get shorter; sick periods get longer.
HIV is Preventable!
• SEXUALLY
Abstain
One uninfected partner
Both partners get a health check first
Reduce number of sexual partners
Always use condoms
HIV is Preventable!
• BEWARE OF OTHER’S BLOOD
Do not share needles
Do not share personal care articles
Be careful when doing first aid
For More Information…
• AIDS Niagara (905) 984-8684
• Ontario AIDS Hotline 1-800-668-2437
• Your doctor or Sexual Health Centre