Know The Facts

AIDS and HIV

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus

• Human - HIV only affects human beings.
• Immunodeficiency - HIV attacks the body's defense system opening it to disease and infection.
• Virus - HIV is the germ that causes AIDS.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

• Acquired - AIDS is something a person gets because of an HIV infection.
• Immune - Refers to the body's natural defense system (the immune system) against disease and infection.
• Deficiency - The immune system isn't working as well as it should be to fight off disease and infection.
• Syndrome - A set of diseases that takes advantage of the body's weakened immune system.

HIV/AIDS are spread by:

high risk

• vaginal or rectal sex without a condom
• blood (sharing needles and or works)
• babies can be infected during pregnancy

low risk

• oral sex without a condom or dental dam
• HIV mom breast feeding a baby after birth

How to avoid getting HIV/AIDS:

• use condoms for sex - always. This means from the moment a man enters his partner (male or female) he must have a condom on. HIV can be transmitted before the man cums because during sex pre-cum is released from a man's penis. This is just as dangerous and can spread HIV. Always use a condom, check the expiry date and, we suggest, use lubricant to decrease the risk of the condom breaking.
  
• if you use drugs, never share needles (see needle exchange for information on where you can get clean needles), and use condoms for sex - always.

1. Storage:

Keep condoms in their individual wrappers and store them at room temperature. Do not keep them in your wallet or back pocket as they may come in contact with keys or coins, or be crushed. Condoms should not be stored in a place where they will be subject to direct sources of ultraviolet* light (sunlight or fluorescent) or to excessive heat.

 

2. Lubrication:

If additional lubrication is required, use a water based lubricant. Do not use oil-based lubricants such as those made with petroleum jelly, mineral oil, vegetable oil or cold cream as they may damage the condom.

 

3. Opening the pouch:

Tear pouch along one edge. Avoid long or broken nails, or jewelry as these may snag the condom. Place a new condom on the penis each time prior to any foreplay, genital contact or penetration to avoid contact with any body fluid that may contain STD organisms. If the rubber material is sticky or brittle or obviously damaged, just don't use it.

 

4. Putting the condom on:

The condom is pre-rolled and ready for use. Place open end of condom against the end of erect penis. Keep the end pinched between the fingers to keep air out. (This avoids breakage ) Unroll the condom to cover the entire penis, if it doesn't reach to the base it's on wrong.

 

5. Removing the condom:

After ejaculation withdraw the penis while still erect. Hold the elastic end to avoid spillage. If the condom breaks or if any semen spills or leaks out during use it's a good idea for partners to clean themselves as soon as possible.

 

6. To further reduce the chance of contracting a Sexually Transmitted Disease, immediately wash the hands, genital and surrounding area (as well as any toys you've used) before and after sexual contact.

 

How do you know if you are infected?

• a blood test will tell you if you have been infected with the virus. If you donate blood or go to a healthy sexuality clinic or the health unit you will usually get your results back within a week. If you go to your family doctor for a test it will usually take longer.

A negative HIV test result means either:

• you are NOT infected with HIV or
• you MAY BE infected but your body has not yet produced enough antibodies to show on the test
  

*It can take about 2 to 6 months after infection for the test to turn positive .....you may need a second test to be sure.A positive result means:

• you are infected with HIV and can infect others through blood or sex... it does not yet mean you have AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. In this stage the body's ability to fight off major infections and illnesses is further weakened.

How do you know if you are infected?

• a blood test will tell you if you have been infected with the virus. If you donate blood or go to a healthy sexuality clinic or the health unit you will usually get your results back within a week. If you go to your family doctor for a test it will usually take longer.

A negative HIV test result means either:

• you are NOT infected with HIV or
• you MAY BE infected but your body has not yet produced enough antibodies to show on the test
  

*It can take about 2 to 6 months after infection for the test to turn positive .....you may need a second test to be sure.

A positive result means:

• you are infected with HIV and can infect others through blood or sex... it does not yet mean you have AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. In this stage the body's ability to fight off major infections and illnesses is further weakened.

YouthCo. AIDS Society

#240-440 West Hastings St.
Vancouver, BC
V6B 1L1
604-688-1441

YouthCo. is a peer driven (youth driven) organization. They strive to enable youth from all communities to address youth issues concerning HIV/AIDS by acting as a resource and facilitator for educational initiatives and support services.

 

Safer Sex Tips from YouthCo. AIDS Society:

 

Mouth

• HIV can enter your body if your gums are bleeding, so don't brush your teeth or floss right before oral sex
• if your gums are bleeding or you have a cut in your mouth, you can use a flavored or non- lubricated condom to protect yourself and your partner (see how to make a dental dam)

 

Latex

• using latex is a great way to stop the exchange of body fluids, HIV, and other STD's
• cut open a condom and stretch it over any area where there could be body fluid before using your tongue or finger
• put a condom on your partner's penis (always before he enters you)

 

Lube

• put some water-based lube on the outside - it feels better and reduces the chances of ripping the rubber
• put some water-based lube inside the condom it feels way better and allows for more sensation
• try using a brand called Astroglide, it's available in most large pharmacies and specialty shops (you know, those love boutiques). Unlike KY this brand doesn't turn crusty after or during use and it can be relubricated during sex by adding water. Good idea.

 

Communication

• talk to your partner to find out what each of you want to do and like - it'll be more fun!!!
• talking bout sex before you start makes it easier to plan out what you need

 

Toys

• if you want to share your sex toys with someone, wash them with bleach and then water so you don't share body fluids

 

 

AIDS Helpline

1-800-499-1986

 

AIDS Vancouver

1107 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC
604-687-AIDS

 

BC First Nations AIDS Society

319 Seymour Boulevard
North Vancouver, BC
604-983-8774

 

BC Persons with AIDS Society

1107 Seymour St.
Vancouver, BC
604-681-2122
1-800-994-2437
URL - http://www.bcpwa.org

The British Columbia Persons with AIDS Society is dedicated to empowering persons living with HIV disease and AIDS through mutual support and collective action. They also publish an excellent magazine/booklet full of information for people with HIV, AIDS or for people affected by HIV and AIDS.

 

Black AIDS Network (BAN)

#204-96 East Broadway
Vancouver, BC
604-872-2437

They help African-American people living with HIV/AIDS access:

• advocacy and legal aid
• care and support through their care committee
• medical treatment information
• financial aid/housing
• counselling/support groups

 

Coast Garibaldi Health Unit

Squamish
38075 Second Ave.
Box 130
Squamish, BC

892-3585

They offer information on STD's and HIV as well as confidential testing for HIV and STD's. Testing for HIV is only done on Wednesday afternoons so make sure to call ahead for an appointment. No names are taken when you make your appointment so the only one who knows your name will be the health nurse who takes your blood. Your blood is sent off using your initials or a fake name in order to keep your anonymity*.

 

DEYAS, Needle Exchange

223 Main St.
Vancouver, BC
604-685-6561

They provide needle exchange services for youths and adults.

 

Pacific AIDS Resource Centre

1-800-994-2437
604-681-2122

Phone one of these numbers for information on what is happening in your community about HIV and AIDS.

 

Positive Women's Network

1170 Seymour St.
Vancouver, BC
604-681-2122 extension 200

Positive Women's Network is a non-profit organization which provides support and advocacy for women living with HIV/AIDS.

 

The SAFE (Sexual Awareness For Everyone)

Whistler's Healthy Sexuality Clinic in the Coast Garibaldi Health Unit located on the 2nd floor of the Whislter Health Care Centre at:

4380 Lorimer Rd.
Whistler, BC

604-932-3202

They offer testing for HIV and STD's, counselling, information about HIV and other STD's and treatment. All services are confidential and either free or low in cost.

 

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic
604-660-6161

 

Your local doctor's office:

Although it might seem intimidating to go to your family doctor for help, it really is the best idea. Your family doctor knows you and your personal health needs. You can go there for confidential testing, information and treatment. I would recommend Dr. Fothergill or Dr. Morum, they are both youth friendly and non-judgmental.

 

 

*anonymity - this means that you are not named or identified, in other words, no one knows who you are so no one can ever find out that you've been to a clinic, that you had an HIV test, or what your results were.

*ultraviolet light - invisible radiation found in sunlight, it's called ultraviolet light because it is light beyond the color violet in the color spectrum. UV is the part of sunlight that gives us a tan and damages our skin.