Hailey Ingram

Hello readers! This week I’ve decided to write about HIV and AIDS, as this is NAKED’s AIDS Awareness Week. (Psst: National AIDS Awareness Week runs from November 24th to December 1st). First off, I think it is important that we understand the differences between HIV and AIDS. In the simplest terms, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks a person’s immune system, leaving them more susceptible to infection. With a more vulnerable immune system, a person may have difficulty fighting off infections. When the body can no longer protect itself from infection, the person becomes immune deficient. This is the stage at which the infected person is considered to have AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Although HIV and AIDS are not curable, HIV is treatable and does not advance to AIDS in all cases.

HIV and AIDS can be transmitted through the following bodily fluids: blood, semen (pre-ejaculate as well), vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. This means that HIV and AIDS can be passed on through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, and oral), sharing needles, mother to child transmission (during pregnancy, delivery, and through breast milk), and blood transfusions (although highly unlikely in developed countries).

According to UNAIDS, in 2009 an estimated 33.4 million people were living with HIV worldwide, 50 per cent of which were women. HIV and AIDS have the largest impact in developing countries as they have limited access to the proper resources, such as testing and treatment. Nearly two thirds of those affected by AIDS are from Sub-Saharan Africa, where AIDS is responsible for leaving nearly 14 million children orphaned. Although developing countries have a higher proportion of cases, HIV and AIDS are still highly prevalent in developed countries. In 2008 approximately 73,000 Canadians were living with HIV or AIDS, 20,000 of which are women. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, it is estimated that 22,300 diagnosed Canadians have died from AIDS since its onset in 1985.

Young adults in their reproductive years are the most at-risk for contracting HIV (that’s us!). That is why getting tested is so important. The only way to know that you are HIV+ is through getting tested. Nearly 30 per cent of people living with HIV don’t even know they have it!

There are two locations in Guelph that offer anonymous HIV testing, which means you don’t have to show your Health Card, any other piece of identification, or even give your name. The first location is the AIDS Committee of Guelph, which offers walk-in consultations every Wednesday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, along with rapid testing, which offers instant results. They can be reached at 519-763-2255. The second location is Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health, which requires appointments and can be reached at 519-846-2715 ext. 4677. Your family doctor and Student Health Services (reachable at 519-824-4120 ext. 52131) can also provide you with HIV testing, although they do not offer anonymous testing.

Remember, no one should ever refuse or talk you out of getting screened for HIV. If you are sexually active, it is important to get tested. You can rest easy if your results are negative and if your results are positive, you can start to receive appropriate care and treatment.

I hope I have provided you with a better understanding of the basics of HIV and AIDS and I hope you will help me relay this information to others. And remember, when it comes to sex, always be safe and of course, enjoy yourselves!

Hailey Ingram is a member of NAKED, a Wellness Centre group that promotes a sex-positive environment within which sexuality can be experienced and explored.

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