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Programs and Services

Population and Public Health Services: Communicable Diseases - HIV/AIDS

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus attacks the body's immune system, which is a person's defence against disease. With newer treatment options, people who are infected with HIV can remain well for many years.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This is the advanced stage of the disease. People who have HIV will develop AIDS over time as the body's immune system weakens.

How do you become infected?

HIV can be found in the blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk and blood-contaminated bodily fluids of infected people. The virus is spread by the following means:
  • Anyone infected with HIV can pass the virus to another person through unprotected oral, vaginal or anal intercourse.
  • HIV can spread by sharing toothbrushes, razors, tattoo inks and equipment, or body piercing equipment.
  • Sharing needles or equipment for injecting drugs can pass infected blood from one person to another. Other drug use equipment, such as crack pipes, or rolls and straws used to inhale drugs, can also pass on the infection because they are known to be contaminated with small amounts of blood.
  • An infected mother can transmit HIV to her baby during pregnancy or at birth. Drugs are now available for infected mothers to take during pregnancy to reduce the risk of the baby becoming infected.
  • There are cases of transmission of the virus to infants through breast milk of infected mothers. Breastfeeding is not recommended if the mother is infected with HIV.

What can people do to protect themselves?

The best way for people to protect themselves against HIV infection is to avoid activities that put them at risk, or by practising those activities in safer ways. Prevention is the only defence against HIV. There is no vaccine for the virus.
  • Always practice safer sex. Use a new condom each and every time for oral, vaginal, and anal sex.
  • Reduce the numbers of sexual partners. Having sex with two or more people within a six month time period is considered to place persons at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections, including Hepatitis and HIV.
  • Sharing needles or gear is never safe, even among family members and friends.
  • Using the left over drugs in syringes or in blood is very unsafe.
  • If you inject drugs you can protect yourself and others by always using new, clean rigs. Have your own, clean supplies, including, your own clean cooker, and water.
  • All used needles should be disposed of in sharps containers. The containers should then be returned to the place where you get your needles.
  • If you are employed in an occupation where you are exposed to blood or body fluids, general barrier precautions should be mandatory and used routinely when providing any first aid, or clean up of blood spills, or other body fluids. Cover cuts and open skin areas with a band aid. Wear gloves when providing first aid and when handling blood or body fluids or items contaminated with these fluids. Gloves should be changed as soon as possible if they are visibly soiled, or punctured or torn. When the wearer is providing assistance to more than one person, gloves should be changed between persons. If there is a likelihood of having your eyes contaminated, wear protective goggles or a face shield.

Testing

Anyone can seek testing. Individuals at risk are encouraged to know their HIV status to protect themselves and the people they care about. Diseases do not discriminate. They will infect persons of all genders, and all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds when given the chance.
  • All pregnant women are encouraged to be tested and should discuss this with their doctor. HIV testing is a routine recommendation for all pregnant women in Saskatchewan. The risk of a baby becoming infected can be greatly reduced with early diagnosis of the mother.
  • You should consider being tested if you, or your sexual partner, have casual unprotected sex, or buy sex with money, drugs, or other means. This would include people who have had sexual encounters while travelling for work or on holiday, either in Canada or another country.
  • If you inject drugs, or if you have sexual contact with someone who injects drugs, you should get tested for HIV on a regular basis. Early identification of HIV is an important part of protecting your health. Treatment is available and can delay serious complications.
  • If you work in the sex trade, or if you have sex with someone who works in the sex trade, you should be tested on a regular basis.
  • If you are exposed to blood or body fluids containing blood while at work, you should immediately attend to the Emergency Department of your local hospital for assessment and intervention as required.

Where to seek testing

Residents living in Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region can be tested for HIV by visiting one of the following:
  • Your family physician or a doctor at a walk-in clinic.
  • The STD clinic at 2110 Hamilton Street - Main floor. Phone: 766-7788 or 766-7618.
  • The primary care nurse at the Four Directions Community Health Centre. Phone: 766-7540.
Anonymous testing for HIV is available in Regina.
  • If calling from Regina, call 766-7779.
  • Persons living outside of Regina can call toll free, 1-800-268-9888

For further information

If you want more information about HIV/AIDS, please contact:
  • Health Line at 1-877-800-0002 from anywhere is Saskatchewan;
  • your family doctor.
If you live in the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region contact:
  • a public health nurse by calling 766-7703;
  • the Street Project 766-7799;
  • a community agency working with HIV/AIDS, such as AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan, or All Nation's Hope;
Back to Communicable Diseases
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