Introduction to Health Pages

This page provides basic information about HIV/AIDS

Check out all the Health Pages for more topics

PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS INFORMATION IS NOT MEANT TO PROVIDE A DIAGNOSIS

OR TO NECESSARILY PRESENT THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.

We will always try to keep this information as relevant as possible, but if in doubt please speak to a medical professional! This information is not meant to be negative or frightening in anyway. It is provided to help men make informed choices about how they play so that they can be safer and have great, hot sex.  A section is also included for POZ prevention (safer play for HIV+ men, as well as health concerns you should be aware of if you are HIV+)

 HIV 101

 HIV & AIDS - Know The Facts  This new video was produced by Penny Foulds under the direction of the M2M Outreach Worker at ACDR’s Prevention/Education department.  Ms. Foulds is a Durham College Student Intern who worked with us.   

 Myths about HIV/AIDS

 Watch this video by Dr. Becky Kuhn the Co-Founder of Global Lifeworks on HIV/AIDS Myths

The Facts

HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus

AIDS = Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

HIV is a virus that attacks your immune system.  It is not the same thing as AIDS.  Once the virus gets into your body, which can happen by having unprotected sex, sharing intravenous needles with someone who is HIV+  or sharing ink / needles when tattooing or body piercing.  If you are concerned about the risks of tattoting & body piercing you can check the fetish page for tips on how to remain safe and enjoy your body art!  The virus requires a way into your blood stream and can be carried in blood and seminal fluid. 
AIDS is the final stage of progression in an HIV infection. Many people live for 15+ years without developing AIDS.  However there is no cure for HIV so your best option is always prevention.  People do not die of AIDS,  they die as a result of their immune system being so weakened that they cannot fight off infections which are not normally fatal to people with a healthy immune system.

What are the Symptoms of HIV?

IF symptoms do occur, they will happen 3-5 weeks after the time of infection and are often flu-like. 
MANY PEOPLE, HOWEVER,  ARE HIV+ AND DO NOT HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS AT ALL!! 
IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE HIV VIRUS THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION IS GO TO AN ANONYMOUS HIV CLINIC TO HAVE YOUR STATUS TESTED. YOU MAY NOT HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS FOR YEARS

What it does in your body...

T-cell Count

The term T-cell is the popular name of a cell of key importance to the immune system.  A better term is  CD4 because there are several flavors of T-cells and we need to restrict our discussion to only one kind of T-cell - officially called "CD4+ T-lymphocytes." The virus that causes AIDS attacks CD4 cells.  The structure of a CD4 cell makes it the easiest target for the virus.  HIV invades your CD4 cells and uses them as a breeding ground for new virus particles.  Eventually the CD4 cell is killed by the virus. As the number of CD4 cells decreases, your risk of getting a severe disease -- or "opportunistic illness" -- increases.  When a person who is HIV+ develops one or more opportunistic infection and their CD4 count drops below 200 HIV progresses to AIDS.  Here are the three official categories of CD4 counts.

Category    Classification    CD4 Level
1 asymptomatic greater than or equal to 500 cells/mL  
2 HIV 200-499 cells/uL
3 AIDS less than 200 cells/uL and a diagnosis of an opportunistic infection such as PCP pneumonia or HIV tuberculosis

 

Did You Know??  

The rate of HIV infection  increased 40% among the MSM community in Ontario from 2000-2004.  In practical terms this means 1 in every 3 men who have sex with men in Toronto is HIV+. This estimate was provided by the leading HIV physician in Ontario

 

**IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTICES** 

CLICK HERE For More Information

 

 Anonymous HIV/AIDS Testing Sites in Durham Region

Sexual Health Clinics of Durham Region:  STI and HIV testing

Oshawa Clinic - Suite 180, Upper Level, Office Galleria (north end of Mall) Free Anonymous HIV testing on Thursdays from 2-4PM.  By appointment at other times - call.  Phone: 905-433-8901 or Toll Free: 1-800-314-8533

Pickering Clinic - Unit 38 Lower Level, Pickering Town Centre (near Food Court) Free Anonymous HIV testing on Tuesdays from 2-4PM.  By appointment at other times - call.  Phone: 905-420-8781 or Toll Free: 1-800-314-8533

Port Perry Clinic - 181 Perry Street Suite 200 Free Anonymous HIV testing on Wednesdays from 2-4PM.  By appointment at other times - call.  Phone: 905-985-4891 or Toll Free: 1-866-845-1868

 Anonymous HIV/AIDS Testing Sites Outside of Durham Region

Hassle Free Clinic (Toronto) –  www.hasslefreeclinic.org/

Men’s Clinic hours:

monday:

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

tuesday:

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

wednesday:

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

thursday:

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

friday:

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

saturday:

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Address:  66 Gerrard Street East · 2nd Floor   Toronto · Ontario · M5B 1G3   phone: 416 · 922 · 0603    fax: 416 · 922 · 2018

 

 




Watch as Daniel gets tested for HIV in this video produced by Xtra.ca in Toronto.   This is the 'Rapid Point of Care' test that is used in Ontario and available at the Sexual Health Clinics in Durham Region.  The test shows a 'reactive' or 'non-reactive' result - NOT a positive or negative result as stated in the video.  A 'reactive' result means there's a 99.9% that you are HIV positive.  'Non-reactive' means no HIV antibodies were detected, however your clinic may request that you re-test in a few weeks. If you get a 'reactive' result, you will then be tested using the standard test which will take up to two weeks to get the result. 

 Are You HIV+ ???  - Check out this site!

 

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