HIV has now spread to every country in the world. Every 2 hours someone in Canada is infected with HIV.  Each year approximately 4500 Canadians contract HIV.  Currently there are 58, 000 Canadians living with HIV.   These statistics are shocking and can be overwhelming.  You may ask yourself, how can I possibly do anything to change the situation?  You can start with the following: 

Know Your Status:

27% of individuals living with HIV do not know their status.  Therefore, they can be spreading the virus to others, and not know it.  The only way to know your status is to get tested.  You should test for HIV if:

• You have had unprotected intercourse
• You have had sex while using drugs or alcohol
• You have shared any drug equipment (needles, spoons, filters, pipes, snorting devices, cookers ect.)
• You have had an unprofessional tattoo or body piercing

Why Should I Be Tested for HIV?:

If you test positive for HIV, you can get support and early treatment to stay healthy.  Knowing you status will allow you take precautions to avoid transmitting HIV to others. 

If you test negative, this may help to relive stress or anxiety that you may have been having.  You can then learn more about how to reduce your risk of becoming infected in the future. 

Learn How to Reduce Your Risk:

If you use drugs, quitting may not be an option for you at this point in your life.  You can still reduce your risk of being exposed to HIV by practicing safe injecting:

• Use a new needle every time you inject
• Never share your works with anyone
• Contact your local needle exchange program, 

Superior Points

If you are sexually active, it is important to protect yourself with each sexual encounter.  When used properly, condoms will reduce your risk.  

Help Stop the Spread of HIV

Since 2002, the number of people infected with HIV in Canada has increased by 16%. 

The first thing you can do to help stop the spread is become educated about HIV.  It is important to talk about safe sex before you choose to have sex.  Although it can be difficult t o talk about safe sex practices, this conversation could be life saving.  Safer sex includes “no risk” activities like: kissing, hugging, massaging ect.  Use of male and/or female condoms, dental dams and water based lubricant for vaginal, anal or oral sex lowers ones risk, if used correctly.

REMEMBER: IT IS NOT WHO YOU ARE, BUT WHAT YOU DO THAT PUTS YOU AT RISK.    IT’S TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

For more information about AIDS Awareness campaigns, please visit www.aidssida.cpha.ca.

To learn more about HIV and where to go for testing in Thunder Bay, click here.