Yes! HIV affects people of all ages. You, your spouse or your sex partner(s)
could have HIV infection or be at risk for infection.
How many older adults are HIV positive?
Between 1985 and 2000, almost 3,500 people aged 50 years and older tested positive
for HIV infection in Canada. Another estimated 15,000 people in Canada are HIV-positive
and don't know it because they have not been tested. If you don’t know
you are HIV positive, you aren’t getting the treatments that delay the
development of AIDS, and you could also be putting your sexual partner(s) at
risk for HIV infection.
Am I too old to be HIV positive or at risk for HIV?
No, viruses don't pay attention to age - no one is ever too old to become infected
with
HIV. HIV is not just a young person's infection. Anyone can become infected
with HIV by:
- having unprotected sex with someone who is HIV positive or whose HIV status
is not known
- sharing needles or syringes to inject drugs/medications/steroids/vitamins,
or when
- having acupuncture, skin piercing or tattoos
- having a blood transfusion or organ transplant (this risk is now almost
non-existent because, since 1985, blood products are screened for HIV).
Older women may be at an increased risk of HIV infection because they may have
thinner vaginal walls and less vaginal lubrication. Sexual intercourse is likely
to cause small cuts or tears, which can be a way for HIV to get into their blood
system.
Wouldn't my doctor know if my partner or I was HIV positive?
Not necessarily. Many people believe that older people don't have sex. This
is not the case - many older adults continue to be sexually active. Doctors
and other care providers who assume that older adults are not sexually active
or are unaware of an older adult's needle use may fail to recognize symptoms
of HIV, or may believe that the symptoms are just signs of aging.
Is treatment effective for older adults?
Yes. Although there is no cure for HIV, there are HIV treatments that slow
down the progress of HIV and fight the infections that cause AIDS.
How can I protect myself and others from HIV infection?
- Use safer sex practices every time you have sex (see Question " How
do I have sex more safely?")
- Don't share needles or syringes. If new needles or syringes are not available,
you can clean them with bleach and water (see Question "Are
there risks of getting HIV if I drink or use drugs?" for information
on how to clean syringes). Remember that bleach does not kill hepatitis C.
- Learn as much as you can about HIV
- When you have symptoms that could be related to HIV, don't allow yourself
or your doctor or health care provider to overlook the possibility of HIV
infection - consider getting tested (see Question "How
do I get tested for HIV?")
Additional Resources:
HIV/AIDS
among Older Canadians
For more information, contact your local
AIDS service organization or health care practitioner.
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