HIV

Definition / Transmission / HIV Testing / Living with HIV / FAQ

HIV is an STI that attacks the immune system which weakens the body’s ability to fight disease and infection. Even common infections like flues and colds can be extremely difficult for the body to fight off after the immune system has been weakened by HIV. There is no cure for HIV but there are treatments.

Someone is diagnosed with AIDS when HIV has weakened someone’s immune system to the point where they have two or more infections that they can no longer fight off. People do not pass on AIDS. HIV is the virus that is being passed and then over time it will mostly likely develop into AIDS. Once someone’s HIV develops into AIDS, they become very sick which can lead to death.

Statistics Canada indicate that roughly 68 000 Canadians live with HIV and 26% of those infected don’t know it.  Anyone can get HIV, no matter who they are, if they have unsafe behavior.

  • A Peer Support Poem

    WHY choose the road everyone goes? WHY choose to fit in? WHEN all it takes is to trust and talk. Overall, life is your creation, so speak out and you’ll be HEARD! By W.S., C.M. and C.M.

  • Dry All These Tears

    If only you could see all the lies Buried deep within my soul That I have hidden from this world And put into a dark cold hole They are hidden from the naked eye That may explode from beneath the seam And maybe soon you’ll see the truth  From the light that it will start [...]

  • Body Image Poster

                          These three photos are of a Body Image Poster that Peer Supporters made for their presentation during the Peer Support Training. By Sandra, Brittany and Georgia