Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
HIV is a viral STBBI transmitted mainly through unprotected sex and injection drug use. It particularly affects men who have sex with men, one in seven of whom are thought to be infected in Quebec, since it can go undetected. HIV is now considered a chronic disease with excellent treatments. Once undetectable, and with proper treatment, there is no possibility of transmission (Undetectable = Untransmissible).
Causes
The human immunodeficiency virus is transmitted through unprotected sex or blood. If left untreated, infection can progress over the years to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). A person can therefore be an HIV carrier and not have AIDS.
Who is at risk of infection?
HIV infection is relatively rare, but certain groups are more likely to be affected, notably men who have sex with men. In fact, it is estimated that about one in seven men who have sex with men in Quebec is infected with HIV.
The following activities are associated with a higher risk of infection:
- Having sex without protection (condom or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP))
- Sharing injectable materials
- Tattooing or piercing with non-sterile equipment
It is not transmitted by everyday activities such as shaking hands, sneezing, kissing, sharing a meal, using the same toilet or drinking from the same glass.
Symptoms and complications
People infected with HIV don't always have symptoms, and when they do, they can go unnoticed. A person can therefore be infected without knowing it, which is why it's so important to protect oneself during sexual relations and to undergo regular screening.
Symptoms of HIV infection can be as follows, and appear two to four weeks after infection for a duration of one to three weeks:
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle pain, headache, sore throat)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Redness on the trunk or face
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Significant weight loss
It's very important to understand that in the absence of symptoms, when left untreated, the virus remains in the body and can be transmitted to another person.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the system that defends us against infection, the immune system. By attacking it, it weakens the immune system, making the infected person more vulnerable to disease and infection. Left untreated, there is therefore an increased risk of potentially serious infections, and of the disease progressing to AIDS.
Screening and treatment
How to screen? Screening is performed by a blood test.
When to screen? The minimum window period for detecting HIV infection is 14 days post-exposure with 4th generation kits, and 21 days post-exposure with 3rd generation kits. Unless otherwise specified, the window period for detection ends eight weeks after exposure.
There is no cure for HIV infection.
Medication and medical follow-up provide excellent control of the virus and limit transmission and deterioration of the disease.
The term "undetectable" is used when the amount of virus present in the blood (the viral load) is not detected. According to the latest studies, an undetectable viral load means that the virus cannot be transmitted.
Today, when treated, HIV-positive people have a quality of life and life expectancy comparable to that of the general population.
Protection
At present, there is no vaccine that protects against HIV.
To prevent HIV, condoms and/or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remain highly effective and commonly used methods. For more information, see "Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV".
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is also available for high-risk relationships and behaviors. Taken within 72 hours of the risk event, it significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV. For more information, see "Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against HIV".
Since it's possible to be infected and have no symptoms, routine screening is indicated according to your risk factors.