February 18, 1997

The Panther Prints

Acquired Immunodefieiency Syndrome

AIDS: It's Everywhere, Including Canada's Smallest

Province

By CINDY VENEMA

AIDS (Acquired Im- munodeficiency Syndrome) is apreventable, yet a growing disease. Canada, in fact, has one of the highest rates of infection in the developed world. The epidemic has spread rapidly, and it is esti- mated that 50,000 Canadi- ans arenowinfected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus).

HIV is what humans should be scared of, because this virus is what is spread from one person to another. AIDS is i advanced stage ofHIV. The virusattacks and seriously damagesthe body’s immunesystem. Without the protection oftheimmune sys- tem, people with AIDS suffer from fatal infections and can- cers.

The highest risks of at- tracting HIV isthrough sexual intercourse with an infected person; the sharing an infected needleor syringe; and through an infected mother to her baby. You cannot get AIDS from: sneezing or coughing; kissing; using toilet seats or

water fountains; touching or shaking hands; swimming ina pool; or showering inalocker- room.

What arethe symptoms of an HIV positive person? Actually, a person infected with the virus may not show any symptoms for many years. However, over time, most people will develop illnesses which become more and more severe as the immune system weakens. Some gen-

eral symptoms that people with HIV may develop: *nersistent fatigue *unexplained weight loss *diarrhea *enlargedlymph glands

inthe neck, armpits or groin

*night sweats or fevers *thrush, whichisa thick persistent whitish coating on the tongueorthroat Take note that some of these symptoms are often caused by common illnesses and not by HIV infection. In Health and Welfare

Canada, 1993, the statistics of people who have devel-

oped AIDS in Canada have become infected by the fol- lowing activities:

-Menwho havesex with othermen: #5,633 77.4%

-Sharing needles to in- jectdrugs: #150 2.1%

-Both of the above: # 257 3.5%

-Recipients ofblood or blood products: # 314 4.3%

-Heterosexual sex:

# 562 7.7% -Children born to an infected mother: # 60 0.8% -Occupational expo- #1 0.0% -Insufficient Informa- #305 4.2% The greatest risk for attracting HIV in Canadais from having sex with an in- fected person. However,

sure:

tion:

with the right protection, peo- ple can avoid the highrisks of getting AIDS. Using a latex condom for all sexual acts, or abstaining from sex are the best methods of protection.

Another high risk for developing AIDS is through the injection of drugs. There- fore, do not share needles; even better, avoid using drugs that require injection.

On Prince Edward Is- land, thereare27 knowncases of HIV. However, a study done in 1991 by Dr. Sweet, ChiefMedical Officer on PEL, indicated there could be nine times the official amount of HIV victims ontheisland. The reason for these “hidden” vic- tims is because there is no anonymous testing available inthe province. Therefore, a lot of people are travelling off theisland to get tested and are consequently not recorded.

Does the closeness and intimacy of theisland society intimidate people to admit to the dangers ofthe virusin their community? No, according to Cheryl Sanderson, Rural Development Coordinator at AIDS PEI. People are not completely comfortable with the virus; however, that is a common feeling across the nation.

People still have the perception that AIDS occurs in larger cities suchas Halifax and Toronto; yet, per capita, PEI is no different. These misconceptions are being solved by sending speakers to rural areas; thereby, in- creasing people’s awareness. Inthe province, AIDS victims and their families can go to two support groups. There is also individual counselling available.