An increasing number of people with Hep C also have HIV. Here is a brief introduction to HIV. For more information on HIV visit www.catie.ca.
What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks a person’s immune system and causes AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
What HIV does
HIV attacks and weakens your immune system. Your immune system helps your body by fighting off germs, like viruses and bacteria. When the immune system is weakened, it is easier for germs to attack the body and make you sick. When your immune system isn’t working as well, you can get sick from specific illnesses your body used to be able to fight off. Generally, if you have HIV and you get sick with one of these diseases you are considered to have AIDS.
HIV is a virus that attacks a person’s immune system and causes AIDS.
When you have HIV, it’s important to have regular checkups with a doctor, so he or she can measure how much HIV is in your body and see how your immune system is doing. That way you and your doctor can decide when is the best time to start treatment so that you stay healthy.
How do you get HIV?
HIV is carried in four body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. You can get HIV when these fluids get into your body. This usually happens in the following ways:
- through unprotected sex
- by reusing drug use equipment already used by someone else
- mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding, if the mother has HIV
- from a blood transfusion before 1985
HIV enters the body in many of the same ways as Hep C, so you can take the same steps to protect yourself from both Hep C and HIV. (See Staying Safe for more information.)
HIV Treatment
There is no cure for HIV, but there are medicines that fight HIV. These medicines can keep the virus from weakening your immune system and can keep you healthy for a very long time. If you have HIV, talk to a doctor or healthcare worker to find out more about HIV treatment. CATIE’s website (www.catie.ca) also has more information on HIV and HIV treatment.
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