​Ilustration of the HIV virus in the bloodstream. © Christos Georghiou/Veer

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.

While many viruses can be controlled by the immune system, HIV attacks and infects the same immune system cells, which are supposed to protect us from disease. These are a type of white blood cells called CD4 cells (sometimes called T cells).

HIV invades CD4 cells and turns them into real factories that produce thousands of copies of the virus. As the virus grows, it damages or kills CD4 cells, weakening the immune system.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

HIV causes AIDS by attacking CD4 cells (T cells), the immune system used to protect the body from disease. When the immune system loses too many CD4 cells, the body is less able to defend themselves, so they can develop serious infections are often fatal. These are called opportunistic infections (OIs).

When someone dies of AIDS, usually due to opportunistic infections or other long-term effects of HIV infection. AIDS refers to a weakening of the body's immune system can no longer stop the development of the OIs that turn deadly.

How do I know if I have HIV?

Most people do not know if they've been exposed or infected. Symptoms may appear within two to four weeks after exposure to HIV and may include fever, swollen glands, muscle pain or rash. Some people do not recognize the symptoms are mild or because they think they have a cold or flu. The only way to know for sure if you are infected is to be tested for HIV.

​Detail of an HIV Test form. © RapidEye/Eyestockphoto

Do I need an HIV test?

It is estimated that approximately 25% of HIV positive people are unaware they have the virus. Many of these people look and feel healthy and do not think they are at risk. But the truth is that anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation or social or economic class can become infected.

Answer the following questions:

• Have you ever had vaginal, anal or oral sex without condom?

• Have you ever shared needles or syringes to inject drugs (including steroids or hormones)?

• Do not have certainty of the HIV status of your partner or if your partner is HIV positive?

• Are you pregnant or are planning to become pregnant?

• Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

• Do you have hepatitis C virus (Hep-C)?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should absolutely get tested for HIV. You can find more information the following pages:

Why should I get tested?

Where can I get tested?

​Detail of a CD4 count lab text form. © Courtney Keating/Istockphoto

Newly Diagnosed?

We do not want to minimize what you're going through right now. You may feel that confirming a diagnosis of HIV is the worst that has happened in your life. Anger, fear, lack of emotion, confusion, depression...  All are natural reactions and feelings to be experienced when receiving news like this.

Do not try to block these feelings. Do not punish yourself or feel you have to be strong. This is your life, your body and your health. Take the time to decide what to do and then do it.

But pay attention: After receiving a positive diagnosis, life goes on.

Take a deep breath:  We know, you may be feel alone, well, know that there is a great community in Ontario that is ready to provide you with information, support, advice and other resources.

Latinos Positivos Toronto exists! And we are a group of men and women committed to help you to fight the fear, ignorance and prejudice that unfortunately still exist in relation to HIV and towards HIV-positive people.

You don’t have to go through the impact of the HIV diagnose alone! We understand if you have any type of concerns or reservations at this point, but, no matter what please, be sure to contact us, making contact at this stage with a community of HIV positive people it is a key step to start receiving practical services and obtain emotional support.

Living with HIV

HIV infection is serious. But today, the reality for people with HIV / AIDS it’s better. If you are infected with HIV, there are many things you can do to ensure you have a long and healthy life. One important thing is to take your medicines. Make sure you have health professionals who know how to treat HIV. You may want to join a support group. Learn all you can about the disease and its treatment. Eat healthy and exercise regularly, things that we all try to do.

​Foto of a spoon with HIV medication. © Marc Pinter/Bigstock

Make an appointment!

Call us at 416.506.1400 Extension 109, e-mail us at volunteer@latinospositivos.ca or visit us at 200 Gerrard St. E, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5A 2E6.
To schedule an intake appointment, please call 416.506.1400 Extension 109.
Hours of operation:
Open Monday through Friday from 12:00PM to 3:00PM.
Closed on weekends and holidays.
Email contact:
volunteer@latinospositivos.ca
 
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Upcoming Events

Latinos Positivos Toronto provides practical services but we are also committed to your physical and mental health, and your interaction with our community. We continuously organize forums, educational activities, social events, retreats and more.
To keep you informed about our upcoming events, checkout our calendar.
 
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