HIV and AIDS: Symptoms and treatment

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. HIV is a manageable chronic condition. With treatment, people living with HIV can have long and healthy lives. However, if left untreated, it can cause a weakened immune system or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Symptoms of HIV infection

Some people may not develop any symptoms after contracting HIV and could remain undiagnosed until the symptoms of AIDS appear. This could be up to 10 years later.

However, 50% or more of people living with HIV may develop mild flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks. Early symptoms may include:

• chills
• fever
• fatigue
• joint pain
• headache
• sore throat
• muscle aches
• swollen glands (lymph nodes)

The symptoms of HIV infection may last from a few days to weeks. They may go away on their own.

Misdiagnosis of early HIV infection is common. If you think you have HIV, speak with your health care provider about being tested.

Getting tested

HIV can be diagnosed using a blood test. Some tests may not be able to detect the virus during the first 2 to 4 weeks of HIV infection. However, you can still pass the virus to others during this highly infectious stage.

Your health care provider may ask you to repeat the test if it's negative and there's a possibility you have HIV.

HIV testing sites across Canada offer different services and testing options. Some sites offer:

• anonymous testing
• only you'll know the results of the test
• your name or other identifying information won't be collected
• rapid HIV testing (point of care or self-testing)
• you'll get your test result almost immediately
• a positive result should be confirmed with further testing performed by a healthcare provider
• online testing
• you'll get your laboratory form and receive your results in person

When you request a test for HIV:

• ask to be tested for other infections, such as:
• syphilis
• chlamydia
• gonorrhea
• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C
• follow up after your test to learn:
• your test results
• any treatment you might need
• how you can access ongoing care and support services

Learn more:

• HIV testing technologies (CATIE)
• Services available in your area (CATIE)

Treating HIV

Highly effective treatments are available to manage HIV infection. Starting treatment early for HIV can help you live a healthy life.

If you have HIV, you can be treated with antiretroviral medications as part of antiretroviral therapy. These medications:

• lower the level of HIV in your body (suppress your viral load)
• slow the spread of the virus in your body, which protects the immune system

HIV treatment improves the health of people living with HIV and can prevent HIV from being passed on through sex. "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) is a common message that communicates these benefits.

Undetectable = Untransmittable

Changing attitudes about HIV

When someone is diagnosed with HIV, other people may have negative attitudes and beliefs about that person's behaviour, lifestyle or circumstances in life. These negative associations form what's called stigma, an experience that can decrease quality of life because it includes:

• judging
• labelling
• isolation
• prejudice
• stereotyping
• discrimination

These types of reactions to those living with HIV are based on misinformation about the infection. Stigma remains one of the greatest barriers for Canadians in accessing:

• HIV prevention
• testing
• treatment
• support

Efforts to end stigma will help to:

• prevent new infections
• reach the undiagnosed
• ensure that people living with HIV receive the care, treatment and support they need

What you can do to reduce stigma

Reducing stigma includes challenging your own knowledge and beliefs about HIV, and educating yourself about the topic. For example, HIV is not passed through:

• healthy, unbroken skin
• casual contact, such as:
• kissing
• hugging
• toilet seats
• sharing food
• shaking hands
• mosquito bites

You can help reduce stigma by being respectful, compassionate and non-judgemental. Model this behaviour for others when you witness stigmatizing behaviours.

When talking about HIV, certain terms can be stigmatizing. Be thoughtful about the words you use when discussing the topic.

Getting support

CATIE is an online HIV resource that can:

• connect you to counselling and other HIV services
• help you find find testing sites and HIV organizations in your area

CATIE

Related links

• Awareness resources for HIV and AIDS
• Statement from the Minister of Health and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health on World AIDS Day and Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Guide to Talking about HIV (PDF)
• CATIE
  • HIV Basics
  • If you've just found out you are HIV-positive
  • HIV treatment and an undetectable viral load to prevent HIV transmission
• Communicable Diseases and Infection Control Newsletter