Blood-Borne Pathogens

HIV/AIDS in British Columbia

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks and weakens the immune system by destroying specific cells that assist in immune function. If left untreated, HIV infection can cause rapid deterioration of the immune system and lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency virus). With a compromised immune system, AIDS leaves an individual susceptible to certain opportunistic infections and cancers.

HIV is transmitted between persons when infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk enters another's bloodstream. HIV can be spread by having unprotected sex and the sharing of needles for any purpose. Less commonly, HIV can be spread by breastfeeding or by infected blood entering the body through a cut or bleeding gums. The chance of contracting HIV from a blood transfusion is extremely low given the rigorous screening performed by Canadian Blood Services.

It is possible for HIV-positive women to pass on HIV to their fetus or baby while pregnant, giving birth or breastfeeding. Tests are available at no cost from a family physician, a walk-in medical clinic or public health unit. If one is tested positive for HIV, medication is available to significantly reduce the risk of HIV being passed to their fetus or baby.

The trajectory of disease progression with HIV infection is contingent on access to care and treatment. Health outcomes associated with HIV infection also improve with early detection and appropriate intervention.

For material reporting on the status of HIV/AIDS in British Columbia, see the BC Centre for Disease Control Society website.

It is unlawful to discriminate against someone because of their HIV/AIDS status. For more information on human rights, discrimination and harassment refer to Human Rights in British Columbia.

Risk Factors

Below is a list of populations who may need to seek testing for HIV. Further information on HIV testing can be found under "Obtaining an HIV Test":

  • Those who engage in unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, oral);
  • Individuals who share needles or equipment for injections;
  • Those who have received tattoos, skin piercings or acupuncture from unsterilized needles;
  • Immigrants from countries where HIV/AIDS is prevalent;
  • HIV-infected mother to her infant; and
  • Those at risk of accidental exposure from needle-stick contact, however this mode of transmission is rare. See the occupational exposure guidelines from the Public Health Agency of Canada for further information.

Prevention

The following techniques can help to prevent HIV infections:

  • Use a new condom every time you have sex, even oral sex;
  • If you inject drugs, use a new needle and syringe every time and do not share the equipment with others; and
  • Do not share razors or toothbrushes with other people.

See a Health File on HIV/AIDS for further information on prevention, the virus and transmission of the virus. The Health File is available in French, Chinese, Punjabi and Spanish.

Obtaining an HIV Test

An HIV infection is confirmed through a blood test. These tests are available with family physicians, walk-in medical clinics or public health units. For a list of public health-run STD clinics published by the BCCDC where an HIV test is available, please visit www.stdresource.com/clinics/list.php.

 

Hepatitis B in British Columbia

Hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). In adults, less than five per cent of new infections will go on to long-lasting (chronic) liver disease. Treatment of the chronic disease can lessen damage to the liver and avoid problems such as fibrosis (scarring of the liver) and cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver). There is a vaccine available to prevent HBV infection and is provided at no cost to infants as a component of their routine immunizations. The vaccine is also provided free to children and adults at high risk of hepatitis B infection.

Risk Factors

Below is a list of populations who may need to seek testing for Hepatitis B. Further information on Hepatitis B testing can be found under "Obtaining a Hepatitis B Test":

  • Those who engage in unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, oral);
  • Individuals who share needles or equipment for injections;
  • Immigrants from countries where Hepatitis B is prevalent;
  • A Hepatitis B-infected mother can pass the virus to her infant, however if the mother's status is known post-natal administration of Hepatitis B vaccine can effectively eliminate this risk; and
  • Those at risk of accidental exposure from needle-stick contact, however this mode of transmission is rare. See the occupational exposure guidelines from the Public Health Agency of Canada for further information.

Prevention

The following techniques can help to prevent Hepatitis B infections:

  • Use of a new condom every time one has sex, even oral sex;
  • If one injects drugs, using a new needle and syringe every time and refraining from sharing the equipment with others;
  • Do not share razors, toothbrushes or dental floss with other people; and
  • Get vaccinated against the Hepatitis B virus.

See a Health File on Hepatitis B for further information on the vaccine for Hepatitis B. The Health File is available in French, Chinese, Punjabi, Vietnamese and Spanish.

 

Hepatitis C in British Columbia

Hepatitis C is a disease affecting the liver caused by infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV can be transmitted from between persons when infected blood enters another's bloodstream. Occasionally, transmission may occur by having sex with an infected person, or by an infected mother passing HCV to her child. Since 1991, incurring an HCV infection from a blood transfusion in Canada has been rare occurrence.

Some people have no symptoms or long-term effects from the infection. However, symptoms of acute hepatitis C infection may include fever, tiredness, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), abdominal pain, dark urine, loss of appetite, and nausea. Some individuals may spontaneously clear the hepatitis C infection. However, most patients carry the virus for the rest of their lives and some will develop serious liver damage such as fibrosis (scarring of the liver), and cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver). There are treatments available for Hepatitis C but they are lengthy regimes with numerous side-effects and may not be suitable for all patients. Currently, there is no vaccine for HCV.

For current information regarding viral Hepatitis in British Columbia, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control's Hepatitis Services Division

Risk Factors

Populations who may need to seek testing for Hepatitis C include the following:

  • Those who have used injection drugs, shared drug use equipment or needles for any purpose;
  • Those who have received tattoos, skin piercings or acupuncture from unsterilized needles;
  • A Hepatitis C-infected mother can pass the virus to her infant;
  • Those who received a blood transfusion or blood product before May 1992;
  • Patients who received blood-derived coagulation products before July 1988, or intravenous immunoglobulin products prior to 1997;
  • Patients who received an organ or tissue transplant before 1990;
  • Immigrants or visitors from countries with high Hepatitis C infection rates; and
  • Those at risk of accidental exposure from needle-stick contact, however this mode of transmission is rare. See the occupational exposure guidelines from the Public Health Agency of Canada for further information.

Prevention

The following techniques can help to prevent Hepatitis C infections:

  • If one injects drugs, using a new needle and syringe every time and refraining from sharing the equipment with others;
  • Do not share razors, toothbrushes, dental floss or nail files with other people; and
  • Although HCV is a blood-borne virus, small amounts of blood can be shared during sex. Therefore, use of a new condom every time one has sex, even oral sex is also important for preventing Hepatitis C infections.

See a Health File on Hepatitis C for more information on characteristics and transmission of the disease. The Health File is available in French, Chinese, Punjabi and Spanish.


PDF Format

Get Adobe Reader

Some documents on this Web site are in PDF format and require a PDF reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader Version 7.0 or the most recent version of another PDF reader, you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader by clicking on the 'Get Acrobat Reader' icon.