Dr. Peter Centre Vancouver | AIDS Quick Facts

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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.
AIDS is one of the four leading causes of death among 25-44 age group in BC.
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.
About 17,000 people across Canada 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 the Lower Mainland, 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 antiretroviral therapy.
Antiretroviral drug therapy has extended the length and quality of life of many HIV-positive persons. however, health problems related to longer term disease and treatment are emerging.
Individuals not receiving antiretroviral therapy are more likely to experience complications of HIV.
The complexity of HIV care creates a large economic burden on those living with the disease, those providing care and the health care system.

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