What does it mean to be HIV positive?
When you are HIV positive it means you have antibodies to HIV (Human
Immunodeficency Virus) and therefore you have the virus that causes AIDS
(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). This does not mean you have AIDS
now.
Can I give HIV to someone else?
Yes. People who are HIV positive can pass the virus on to other people,
but only in certain ways. HIV is in your blood, semen, vaginal fluid or
breast milk. Other people can get HIV from you if your blood, semen or
vaginal fluid or breast milk gets into their body.
HIV is spread through:
- sharing needles, syringes and drug equipment (including piercing and
tattooing)
- anal sex
- vaginal sex
- oral sex
- sharing sex toys
HIV is not passed by insect bites, hugging, coughing, using swimming
pools or sharing food. Urine, feces, tears and saliva have a small
amount of HIV in them but it is not enough to infect someone unless
blood is present in these fluids. Also, any sexual activity causing
damage to tissues (fingering, fisting) can increase transmission risk
because it may allow the virus to enter the blood more easily.
What About My Sex Life?
Any sex act that does not pass blood, semen or vaginal fluid is safer
sex. Some safer sex activities are: masturbation, petting, massage,
rubbing, hugging and kissing and having oral, anal or vaginal sex with a
condom/latex barrier every time.
You still need to protect yourself from HIV because getting the virus
again or getting any other sexually transmitted infection can make you
sick more quickly.
It is important to tell your partner that you are HIV positive. You
could be held legally responsible if a current or future partner becomes
infected. Be aware of and practice safer sex.
- For anal sex, use extra-strength lubricated condoms and add lots of
water-based lubricant.
- For vaginal intercourse, use lubricated condoms. There are non-latex
female condoms made of polyurethane that are also effective. Extra
water- based lubricant may help to prevent condom breakage.
- For oral sex on a man use a non-lubricated condom on his penis as
extra protection.
- For oral sex on a woman, use a condom cut in half or a square piece of
latex called a dam to put over her vaginal opening.
- For rimming, use latex barriers.
- If you take part in sexual activities where blood is present, protect
yourself from exposure to the blood.
Barriers are an important part of safer sex. Remember that if the condom
breaks your partner can then get HIV. A water-based lubricant such as
K-Y jelly or Astroglide on the outside of the condom may help to prevent
the condom from breaking.
How Can I Stay Healthy?
It is important to see a doctor or a clinic that specializes in caring
for persons with HIV. People who are HIV positive can increase their
chances of staying well if they have a healthy lifestyle - eat
nutritious foods, get plenty of sleep, exercise, reduce stress and avoid
exposure to all infectious diseases. Reduce the amount of alcohol,
tobacco or drugs you use.
Your doctor can take regular blood tests to check your immune system so
treatment can be started as needed. There are various medications
available that can keep you healthy longer. It is also advised you have:
- a tuberculosis (TB) test
- a vaccine to prevent pneumonia (pneumovax)
- a vaccine to prevent Hepatitis A and B.
Whom Should I Tell That I Have HIV?
All of your past sexual partners should be told so they can get
counselling and be tested. It is also important to tell your current and
future partners so they can make their decision. If you have shared
needles, syringes or drug equipment with anyone, they should also be
informed.
Inform your doctor and other health care providers.
You may want to tell your family and friends that you have HIV. They may
be a support for you. The decision is up to you! Before you tell someone
that you have HIV, it may help to talk to your doctor or counsellor.
They can help you to decide whom you want to tell and how you want to
tell them.
You do not have to tell your boss or people you work with that you have
HIV. Under the Human Rights Act you cannot be fired for being HIV
positive.
What about pregnancy?
If you or your partner want to have a baby, talk to your doctor about
this before trying to get pregnant.
If you are pregnant, discuss antiviral medications with your doctor.
Taking these medications can reduce the chance of the baby being
infected. HIV can be passed on to your baby during pregnancy, childbirth
or in breast milk.
Leeds,
Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit -
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