The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection that attacks the affected individual's immune system. While symptoms can be managed, there is no cure at this time.
HIV Screening
There is no cure for HIV infection. The virus remains in the person's body for life.
However, medication and proper medical monitoring can control the virus and limit the severity of the infection.
When to consult for HIV?
There is no cure for HIV infection. The virus remains in the person's body for life.
However, medication and proper medical monitoring can control the virus and limit the severity of the infection.
People who have engaged in the following risk behaviors should get tested:
- Unprotected sexual relations
- Sharing drug preparation, injection, or inhalation materials
- Tattooing or piercing with non-sterile equipment
Testing enables prevention of complications and transmission.
Signs and symptoms
Some infected people have no symptoms.
Others may have symptoms without recognizing them as HIV-related.
Symptoms typically appear 2 to 4 weeks after infection.
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Phase 1
Primary infection (2 to 4 weeks after infection)
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Muscle pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rashes
- Mouth ulcers
- Significant weight loss
-
Phase 2
Chronic asymptomatic infection
Latency period where the person remains infected but shows no symptoms.
-
Phase 3
Chronic symptomatic infection
- Difficulty fighting infections
- Fatigue
- Persistent fever
- Persistent diarrhea
-
Phase 4
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
The most advanced stage of infection, where immune system effectiveness becomes minimal. This results in opportunistic infections:
- Pneumonia
- Various cancers including lymphoma
Phase 1 symptoms typically resolve within 1 to 3 weeks without treatment, though the virus remains and remains transmissible.
Transmission
HIV is transmitted through sex and blood
Sexual transmission
- Oral sex (mouth contact with genitals or anus)
- Vaginal penetration
- Anal penetration
- Genital-to-genital contact
- Sharing sex toys
Oral transmission is rarer.
Blood-borne transmission
- Contaminated tattooing or piercing equipment
- Sharing drug injection or inhalation materials
- Blood contact with damaged skin or mucous membranes
- Mother-to-baby transmission (pregnancy, breastfeeding, childbirth)
HIV does NOT transmit through:
- Handshakes
- Cheek kissing
- Public swimming pools
- Public toilets
- Sharing food or utensils
Window or incubation period
- Between 14 and 21 days
Prevention
Wear a condom during all genital contact and during all oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
Use a dental dam (latex square) during oral sex with mouth contact with genitals or anus.
Do not share sex toys or cover them with condoms, changing the condom between each partner.
Drug use
Using new materials for preparation, injection, and inhalation reduces transmission risk.
Never share consumption equipment. Contact Info-Santé 811 for needle distribution points.
Tattooing and piercing
Use new, disposable, or sterilized equipment (razors, needles, blades, bottles, inks). Practitioners should wash hands and wear gloves.
Antiviral medications
Under certain conditions, antivirals reduce transmission/acquisition risk for:
- People living with HIV
- High-risk individuals
What is PrEP?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a method used to reduce the risk of contracting HIV for people who are most at risk.
HIV treatment
Without treatment and medical monitoring, HIV weakens the immune system within years, causing serious complications: certain cancers, lung, eye, or brain infections.
Progressive stages can lead to AIDS, where immune defense fails, resulting in potentially fatal opportunistic infections.
With appropriate antiretroviral treatment, life expectancy for people living with HIV can be similar to that of the general population.
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