HIV and AIDS

HIV and AIDS

Frequently Asked Questions

How would I know if I have an HIV infection?

It is common for someone to be infected with HIV and not know it.

Getting a blood test is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV.

Testing in the NWT is free and confidential.

You can contact your local Public Health Office in larger communities or your Community Health Centre to get tested.

Can HIV be spread by people who don’t know they are infected?

Yes, this is the most common way that HIV is spread.

How would I get infected or infect someone else with HIV?

  • Giving or receiving anal or vaginal sex (rarely oral sex) with someone who has HIV without using a condom or taking medicines to prevent or treat HIV.
  • Sharing needles or syringes or other equipment (works) used to prepare drugs for injection with someone who has HIV.
  • Receiving a tattoo or piercing from reused or not properly sterilized needles or other equipment, or from contaminated ink.
  • HIV can be passed on to a child by the mother during pregnancy, childbirth or during breastfeeding.

HIV cannot be spread by:

  • Hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing dishes, or closed-mouth or “social” kissing with someone who is HIV positive
  • Saliva, tears, or sweat that is not mixed with the blood of an HIV-positive person
  • Mosquitoes, ticks or other blood-sucking insects
  • Air or water

What are the symptoms?

Mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes 2-4 weeks after becoming infected with HIV.

Once the flu-like symptoms disappear you may not experience any more symptoms for 5 to 10 years.

AIDS will eventually develop if you do not seek treatment.

Starting treatment early greatly increases your chance of living a long and healthy life.

What can I do to protect myself or others from getting infected?

  • Practice safer sex - use condoms and dental dams.
  • Get tested regularly for STIs if you are sexually active. Having an STI may increase your chances of passing on or becoming infected by HIV.
  • Avoid multiple and most particularly anonymous sex partners to reduce potential exposure to STIs.
  • If you inject drugs don’t share needles or drug equipment. Use a new or sterilized needle every time.
  • Make sure tattoos, body piercings, electrolysis or acupuncture procedures are done by licensed professionals who use their needles only once and dispose of them afterward.
  • Consider looking into an NWT substance use treatment program like methadone therapy to help reduce substance dependence and the risk of getting and spreading HIV and other STIs.
  • If you have been infected and are uncomfortable telling a recent partner that you may have exposed them to HIV, your health care provider can and will help you by:
    • notifying your past sex or IDU partner(s) without revealing your identity and/or
    • providing you with support and information on how to tell your past and current sex partner(s).
  • If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, immediate treatment may prevent you from becoming infected with HIV:
    • contact a health care provider immediately to find out if treatment is right for you.
    • treatment must be started within 72 hours of a possible exposure if your health care provider recommends treatment.

Addendum

  • If a person infected with HIV behaves in a manner that endangers the health and safety of others the Chief Public Health Officer can take any necessary actions available under the authority of the NWT Public Health Act to prevent further spread of HIV.
  • You cannot be discriminated against or harassed for testing HIV positive or having AIDS, or for associating or living with people who are HIV positive or people with AIDS.

What is the Government of the Northwest Territories doing?

Actions include the following:

  • Providing timely access to clinical advice, testing and treatment as well as targeted education and awareness work especially related to safer sex practices.
  • Identifying and addressing underlying issues, such as poor mental health, alcohol and drug use, sexual violence and bullying as these are significant factors contributing to sexual health issues.
  • Working with communities to improve clinical case management and prevention/promotion activities for high-risk groups such as young adults.
  • Updating the NWT’s school health curriculum.