Basics of HIV

HIV attaches itself to a T cell and enters it. Once inside the T cell, HIV is able to multiply, which eventually leads to the destruction of the T cell. As more and more T cells become infected by HIV and destroyed, the immune system is weakened and becomes less able to fight off germs and bacteria.

HIV does not discriminate; anyone who has engaged in a risk activity can be infected with HIV regardless of age, gender, economic back ground, sexual orientation, race, religion, ethnic origin, etc.

As the end of 2005, an estimated range of 8,600 - 12,200 people in B.C. were living with HIV and AIDS (Source: BC Ministry of Health)

More HIV statistics can be found here.

At the end of 2005, an estimated 58,000 people were living with HIV (including AIDS). It is also estimated that 27% of HIV positive Canadians are unaware of their infection.

Source: Public Health Agency of Canada. Estimates of HIV prevalence and incidence are produced by PHAC every three years. The next HIV estimates for 2008 will be published in 2009.

More HIV statistics can be found here.

As of December of 2007, it was estimated that 33.2 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. (UNAIDS)

More HIV statistics can be found here.

Window Period

The window period is the time between when you are exposed to HIV and when a blood test will be able to measure the antibodies your immune system creates to fight HIV. It can take anywhere from four weeks to three months after HIV enters your body to develop enough antibodies to be measured on an HIV test. Most people will develop enough antibodies to test accurately for HIV from four to six weeks.

There may be some short term symptoms of infection, but without an HIV test you won't know for sure if you have the virus.