Français

World AIDS Day 2006

A person blowing candles on a cake. If this person had HIV, would you have a piece of cake?

Too many people are still afraid of HIV-positive people

Examples of daily activities that do not spread HIV:

Holding hands
Drinking from the same glass
Working together
Sharing a pool
Being bitten by the same insect
Using the same washroom
Being together in a public place
Kissing

Unlike influenza or chickenpox, HIV does not survive in the air,
nor does it survive in water.
Daily activities pose no risk of transmission.

Don’t believe the myths… prejudice hurts

However, you should avoid coming into direct contact with blood, especially if there are open wounds on the skin. If contact occurs, the part of the body that has come into contact with the blood should quickly be washed with soap and water.

How does HIV spread ?

HIV spreads through sexual relations

HIV is mainly spread by not using a condom when having anal or vaginal sexual relations with someone who has HIV. Anal or vaginal penetration facilitates entrance of sperm, vaginal secretions or menstrual blood into the partner’s body; HIV can get into the bloodstream through small cuts or tears and settle in the body. Since they cause small cuts and tears, other sexually transmitted infections (STI) a sex partner may have can foster HIV transmission.

HIV spreads through blood

HIV transmission through blood often occurs when people share used injection equipment to take drugs (cocaine, heroin, steroids, etc.). When people shoot up, they risk injecting HIV as well as hepatitis B and C viruses directly into their blood. If needles and equipment used for tattooing and piercing are not new or sterilised, they can also transmit HIV and hepatitis B and C. Since 1985, the risk of getting HIV infection through a blood transfusion has been extremely low. Héma-Québec makes sure that all blood donations are screened, and gets rid of contaminated blood. There is NO RISK of getting the infection when you GIVE BLOOD since a new needle is used for every person.

HIV spreads from a mother to her baby

A mother who has HIV can pass it on to her child during pregnancy, delivery and even through breastfeeding, although this is rare. Fortunately, antiviral medication can greatly reduce chances of transmission.

A person taking a pen to his mouth. If this person had HIV, would you borrow his pen?

A person taking a pen to his mouth. If this person had HIV, would you borrow his pen?

World AIDS Day 2006 theme

HIV is still around

To learn more

Questions about HIV/AIDS