HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.
This particular virus was discovered in the mid 1980s and belongs to a group of viruses called ‘retroviruses’.
HIV attacks the immune system, and gradually causes damage. This can mean that a person infected with HIV is at risk of developing some serious infections and cancers that a healthy immune system can fight off. When a person develops certain illnesses and cancers, they are said to have developed AIDS.
A test can tell if you have HIV. If you do, this is described as being HIV-positive.
There is no cure for HIV. However, there are more than 20 anti-HIV drugs, and treatment with a combination of these drugs can mean a longer and healthy life.
HIV is present in blood, genital fluids and breast milk.
The main ways HIV can be passed on to someone else are during unprotected sex, by sharing injecting equipment, and from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth or through breastfeeding. But there are ways of preventing HIV infection in all of these situations.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency syndrome. AIDS is the name used to describe a combination of potentially life-threatening infections and cancers, which can develop when someone’s immune system has been damaged by HIV.
You cannot catch AIDS and there is no AIDS test. HIV causes AIDS and it is HIV that can be passed on.
Being diagnosed with AIDS means different things for different people. Just because someone has AIDS does not mean they will die – but it is important to have medical care and treatment.
AIDS is the name used to describe a combination of potentially life-threatening infections and cancers that can develop in people who have HIV.
Over time, infection with HIV damages the immune system, This means that the body cannot fight off a number of serious infections and cancers, which are sometimes called ‘AIDS-defining’.
Just because you are diagnosed with an AIDS-defining illness doesn’t mean that you are going to die. Many of these illnesses can be cured or managed.
Treatment with combinations of anti-HV drugs can keep the immune system strong, and because of this the number of people who are diagnosed with AIDS has fallen. Thanks to effective HIV treatment, many people who developed AIDS are now very well and can look forward to a long and healthy life.
This varies from person to person. The only way to be sure if you have been infected with HIV is to have an HIV test. You cannot tell from symptoms alone.
If you have HIV, it’s very important that it’s diagnosed for the best chance of getting treatment and care, and of staying well.
Many people have an illness, often called a ‘seroconversion’ illness, soon after they are infected with HIV. Typical symptoms include a fever, sore throat, headache, aches and pains, and a blotchy red rash.
In some people this illness is so mild that it passes without being noticed. Some people mistake it for the flu, but for some people it is more severe and they may need to see a doctor. However, because the symptoms are similar to symptoms of many other conditions, HIV might not be diagnosed at the time.
If you’ve had unprotected sex and notice these symptoms about two weeks later, you might want to consider having an HIV test.
After this initial illness, it’s not uncommon for people to live with HIV and not to have any symptoms at all. But the virus will still be causing damage to the immune system, and without treatment most people with HIV will eventually become ill because of it.
HIV-related illnesses can cause a wide range of symptoms. These can include fevers and night sweats, a high temperature, a cough that won’t go away, unexplained weight loss, severe diarrhea, bad headaches, or persistent mouth and skin problems. Of course, these can all have other causes.
An HIV test can tell if you have become infected with HIV. HIV tests are extremely accurate.
Modern tests can tell if you’ve been infected with HIV very soon after exposure to the virus – normally within two or three weeks.
If you have HIV, it’s very important that it’s diagnosed. This will give you the best chance of getting the treatment and care you need to stay well.