HIV/AIDS Quick Facts

• HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that results in a gradual destruction of the immune system and the body's ability to fight infection.

• AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, is a technical term used to mark the progression of HIV disease.

• Highly active anti-retroviral drug therapy, referred to as HAART, has extended the length and quality of life of many HIV-positive persons. However, health problems related to longer term disease and treatment continue to emerge. HIV/AIDS is now described as a chronic inflammatory, life-threatening disease.

• Individuals not receiving anti-retroviral therapy are more likely to experience complications of HIV.

• HIV is preventable.

• HIV is transmitted through contact with infected body fluids of blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. It is most often transmitted during unprotected sexual intercourse, or sharing of needles and injection equipment.

• An estimated 58,000 people in Canada live with HIV; of these, about 30% are HIV positive but do not know it.

• Every day, 1 - 2 people in BC contract HIV.

• The presence of a sexually transmitted disease increases the risk of HIV transmission.

• Individuals infected with HIV have an increased likelihood of contracting tuberculosis.

• In Metro Vancouver, approximately 90% of HIV-positive injection drug users (IDUs) also have Hepatitis C.

• The risk of HIV-positive mothers infecting their infant during pregnancy, delivery and breast feeding (prenatal transmission) can be reduced to 1% if the mother is treated with anti-retroviral therapy.

• The complexity of HIV care creates a large economic burden on those living with the disease, the care givers in their personal lives and the health care system.