It is estimated that more than 40 million people worldwide are currently infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

In Canada, it is thought that at least 58,000 persons are infected with HIV and that about 30 per cent of them are unaware of their infection. It can take years for a person infected with the virus to show any symptoms of infection, during which time a person can unknowingly spread the virus to other people.

Every year, anywhere from 2,800 to 5,000 persons in Canada are newly-infected, which is evidence that the HIV pandemic continues to thrive. Despite intense scientific research in the past 25 years, there is still no effective vaccine or cure in sight. However, there are now HIV medications that, although costly, help people live an estimated 24 years after being infected.

More concerning is that there is still some misperception and misinformation about how HIV is transmitted and how people can protect themselves.

HIV is spread primarily by unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, and by sharing needles and/or syringes (primarily for illicit drug injection) with someone who is infected. Therefore, the use of condoms during sexual activity, and using sterile needles and syringes are necessary to prevent transmission.

The risk of HIV transmission through blood transfusions in Canada is now very low given our advanced HIV testing and screening of donors and donated blood. Our blood bank supply has never been safer.

Babies born to HIV-infected women may become infected before or during birth or through breast-feeding after birth. However, we now have medical interventions, including medications that greatly decrease the risk of infection during birth. Therefore it is imperative that all pregnant women be screened for HIV, especially since it is estimated that one-third of all people infected are not aware they have the virus.

Casual contact through closed-mouth or "social" kissing is not a risk for transmission of HIV.

Because of the potential for contact with blood (e.g. bleeding gums) during "French" or open-mouth kissing, it is recommended against engaging in this activity with a person known to be infected.

However, the risk of acquiring HIV during open-mouth kissing is believed to be very low.

Some people fear that HIV might be transmitted in other ways; however, no scientific evidence to support any of these fears has been found. HIV cannot be transmitted through the air (sneezing), sharing water or food, or insect bites.

The best way for people to protect themselves from HIV is by always using condoms for sex or to avoid having sex until both partners have been tested for HIV. Testing is the only way to find out if you do or don’t have the virus and would be recommended for people starting a new relationship.

HIV testing is recommended for anyone who has previously engaged in high risk activity, such as unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown or needle-sharing.

There is generally a three-month window period for HIV testing, which is the time between when a person in infected with HIV and the time when a test will detect the virus. Testing, which involves a blood test to find antibodies to HIV, is confidential, and can be performed in consultation with your family physician or primary care provider. If you are concerned about privacy, you can have an anonymous HIV test. The sexual health clinics at the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit offer anonymous testing.

To be diagnosed with HIV is tragic, but the greater tragedy is that HIV is preventable. Ask yourself if your behaviour puts you at risk, consider testing and always protect yourself from HIV and other STIs. For more information about HIV and testing, call Your Health Connection weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) and ask for sexual health.

• Dr. Colin Lee is one of Simcoe Muskoka’s associate medical officers of health and an emergency room physician.