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What is HIV? HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV takes over cells in the immune system to make more copies of itself and in the process it weakens the immune system. With modern treatment, people living with HIV are able to live long and healthy lives. If left untreated, HIV can cause people to […]
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HIV and sex: When you are having sex, there are many ways to prevent the transmission of HIV, including the use of water-based or silicone-based lube, condoms, not sharing sex toy with your partner, being on PrEP if HIV-negative, or having an undetectable viral load if HIV-positive. If sharing sex toys is a part of the […]
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Stop the spread! How is HIV passed on? HIV is only passed through specific fluids: blood, semen and ejaculatory fluid, vaginal and anal fluid, and breast milk are the only bodily fluids where a high enough viral load is possible to facilitate transmission. When one of these fluids in a person living with HIV enters […]
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An untreated HIV infection takes a long time to become noticeable (sometimes up to 10 years without symptoms) the only way to be certain of your HIV status is to be tested. People who are on PrEP are tested every 3 months; however, if a person is not on PrEP, a good testing timeline is […]
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Resources for more information, UeuqalsU, Hiv Basics, and HIV Prevention. UequalsU CATIE https://www.catie.ca/positive-side/uu The Ontario AIDS Network (OAN) https://preventionaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Ontario-AIDS-Network-UU-Position-Statement-2018.pdf Prevention Access Campaign https://preventionaccess.org/ HIV Factsheet Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/hiv-factsheet-undetectable-untransmittable-health-professionals.html Canadian HIV Clinical Guidelines https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/hiv-aids/health-professionals.html The AIDS Network https://positivehealthnetwork.org/ Video by Xtra Magazine HIV Basics Aidsmap https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/cd4-cell-counts#:~:text=CD4%20cells%20are%20white%20blood,%2Dlymphocytes%2C%20or%20helper%20cells. CDC HIV Basics https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html CDC HIV Testing https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/test-types.html CATIE HIV Testing […]
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You should aim to take your pills at the same time each day so that it becomes a habit. If you are used to taking all or nearly all of your antiretrovirals at the right time and in the right way, you are much better placed if you have a problem such as forgetting a […]
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective at preventing HIV but it does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The recommended practice for all people on PrEP includes regular STI testing and treatment which should result in earlier detection and treatment of STIs. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a combination of two medications taken by people […]
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The PARTNER study concluded that there is zero HIV transmission regardless of type of sex. U=U is applicable to vaginal, oral, and anal sex. For people living with HIV, it’s important to facilitate and support the use of HIV treatment to maintain an undetectable viral load as a prevention strategy. This can include supporting people […]
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HIV treatment, also called antiretroviral therapy, prevents the transmission of HIV by controlling the replication of HIV in the body — which means it reduces HIV’s ability to make copies of itself. When HIV replication is controlled, the amount of virus (also known as the viral load) in the blood and other bodily fluids decreases. […]
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Maintaining an undetectable viral load leads to the best possible health outcomes for a person living with HIV. In addition to improving the health and wellbeing of a person living with HIV, achieving an undetectable viral load means that a person living with HIV can no longer transmit HIV to their partner(s) sexually. Achieving and […]
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