Get the Facts about HIV + Hep C

HIV is most commonly spread through sexual activity and the sharing of needles or other drug use equipment. 

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Only 5 bodily fluids can contain and transmit the HIV virus: 

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• Blood
• Semen and pre-ejaculatory fluid (“pre cum”)
• Rectal (anal) fluid
• Vaginal fluid
• Breast milk 

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HIV can only be transmitted when the virus in one of these fluids enters the bloodstream of an HIV-negative person through a break in the skin or the wet tissues of the body, such as the opening of the penis, the foreskin, the vagina, or the rectum.

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HIV is not spread through saliva, tears, urine, sweat, or feces. HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact (such as hugging or shaking hands). HIV is also not spread by touch surfaces, like toilet seats, doorknobs, or dishes used by a person who is HIV-positive. In Canada, all blood donations are screened for HIV to prevent HIV from spreading through blood transfusions. You cannot get HIV from donating blood.

Anyone can get HIV. Some marginalized communities are placed at greater risk for HIV by structural and social factors that create health inequities and barriers, such as racism, discrimination, and other forms of oppression. Some sexual activities also carry an increased risk of HIV transmission, including anal and vaginal sex without using a condom or medicines that prevent or treat HIV. Compared to vaginal sex, anal sex without a condom and/or PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can involve an increased risk of HIV transmission. The thin lining of the rectum can be damaged more easily, which may cause bleeding and create a possible pathway for HIV to enter the bloodstream. Sharing injection drug use equipment is also an activity that increases the risk of transmitting HIV.

It’s important to remember that if your partner is on HIV treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they cannot transmit HIV sexually. If your sexual partner is HIV-positive and does not have undetectable viral load, it is possible to acquire HIV through sex without a condom and/or PrEP.

There is no vaccine or cure for HIV, yet. However, HIV can be managed like any other chronic condition thanks to today’s treatment and care options. People living with HIV still have long, healthy lives.

Yes, HIV is treatable! HIV is a manageable chronic condition thanks to highly effective treatment. People who take HIV treatment as prescribed can live long, healthy lives.

• Know your HIV status: Get tested!
• Using internal and external condoms correctly a highly effective way to prevent HIV transmission during sex
• PrEP and PEP are prevention options you can explore with a healthcare provider.
• Avoid sharing drug use equipment and use new equipment every time if you are injecting drugs. Connect with our Harm Reduction Services for safer supports!

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Be sure to check out our safer sex and safer tattoos and piercings pages for more tips!

Telling someone you have HIV can be a difficult decision. In Canada, there is a legal obligation to disclose a positive HIV status to sexual partners in certain circumstances. Currently, there is no legal requirement in Canada to inform healthcare providers of your HIV status. However, telling a doctor, dentist or healthcare provider if you have HIV can allow them to provide you with the best care possible by being aware of potential drug interactions or HIV-related health issues. 

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If you need to talk to someone about disclosure, reach out to our HIV Support Services team. You can also visit the following resources for more information: 

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• HIV/AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario
• The Positive Side - Law and Disclosure
• Who should I tell? - CATIE

Being diagnosed with HIV is not the same as being diagnosed with AIDS. Many people living with HIV never develop AIDS. 

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Where Can I learn More?

For more information, visit CATIE.

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If you’d like more information or need support navigating an exposure or diagnosis, please reach out to our HIV Support Services Team:  

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Regional HIV/AIDS Connection 

201-602 Queens Avenue

HIVsupport@hivaidsconnection.ca

519.434.1601 (press ‘0’ to leave a message)

Hepatitis C can be acute or chronic. Acute infection means you cleared the virus on your own and don’t need treatment. 20-25% of people who are exposed to hepatitis C clear the virus this way. Chronic infection means you weren’t able to fight off the virus and need treatment.

Hepatitis A is a relatively mild viral infection transmitted by fecal-oral route. It doesn’t cause a chronic disease. Hepatitis B is transmitted by blood, semen or vaginal fluid. Hepatitis C is transmitted by blood to blood only, and even dried blood can transmit the virus. Both hepatitis B and C are serious viral infections that can cause chronic illness that may lead to liver damage and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C is passed through blood. So essentially, the blood of someone with the hepatitis C virus has to enter your blood stream. Hepatitis C can’t be spread through any other bodily fluids, like saliva, sweat, semen, vaginal fluids, urine, or breast milk.

There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. Nobody is immune to hepatitis C, and you can contract HCV even if you have had it before. However, treatment can cure hepatitis C and there are supports available for people diagnosed with hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C can be treated and cured. Some people can clear the virus on their own, but most of us need treatment to cure hepatitis C. Treatment for hepatitis C involves taking 1 or 2 pills every day, depending on the treatment. Treatment ranges from 8-24 weeks, and there can be minimal side effects. Treatment cures over 95% of people with hepatitis C in up to 12 weeks.

• Know your hepatitis C status: Get tested!
• Using internal and external condoms correctly is a highly effective way to prevent HCV transmission during sex
• Avoid sharing drug use equipment and use new equipment every time if you are injecting drugs. Connect with our Harm Reduction Services for safer supports!
• Avoid sharing personal items that could have even small amounts of blood on them, like razors, toothbrushes, and nail clippers.

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Be sure to check out our safer sex and safer tattoos and piercings pages for more tips!

For more information, visit CATIE.

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If you’d like more information or need support navigating an exposure or diagnosis, please reach out to our Hepatitis C Care Team:  

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Hepatitis C Care Team

London InterCommunity Health Centre 

659 Dundas St.

519.660.0874 (ext. 1280)