HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
Facts everyone should know about HIV
- HIV is a virus. It works by attacking our immune systems - which is the body's strongest line of defence.
- Untreated HIV makes an immune system weaker and weaker over time. This can lead to the body being unable to fight off infection and disease.
- Regular testing is key. It means you understand what is going on in your body, know your viral count and can choose to access antiretroviral treatments.
- People often confuse HIV and AIDS. AIDS is when a set of symptoms or illnesses at the final stage of HIV infection happen. It stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (a syndrome is a group of symptoms which consistently occur at the same time)
What is HIV?
HIV attacks immune system cells, which serve as our body’s defence against illness. The virus attacks and destroys certain white blood cells in the immune system (‘T-helper’ or CD4 cells) and copies itself inside these cells.
When HIV attacks CD4 cells and copies itself, it weakens that person’s immune system. Someone who has HIV (and isn’t taking antiretroviral treatments) will find it harder to fight through disease and infection.
HIV, when left untreated, may take as long as 10-15 years for the immune system to be seriously damaged. This means the body may no longer be able to defend itself.
The rate at which HIV can progress varies though, progressing differently depending on different factors such as health, background and age.
There is currently no cure for HIV but, with the correct treatment and support, those living with HIV can expect to live healthy, long lives. To ensure this, commit to treatment.
Modern HIV treatment
People with HIV now live long and healthy lives thanks to antiretroviral treatments. These are effective and available to anyone who requires them.
The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner treatment can start, the better the long term health forecast.
Antiretroviral treatments can reduce HIV levels in the body to such limited levels that they cannot be detected in blood tests.
HIV is found in semen, blood, vaginal and anal fluids and breastmilk.
HIV cannot be transmitted through urine, sweat or saliva.
Regular testing is vital. Know your status.
Use external (or male) condoms or internal (or female) condoms during sex. This is the best way to prevent HIV or other STIs.
Injecting drugs requires a clean and new needle. Do not share equipment.
If you’re pregnant and are living with HIV, you could transmit the virus into your baby’s body through breastfeeding or during birth. Taking standard HIV treatments to have undetectable amounts of HIV in your blood gets rid of this risk.
AIDS is a set of symptoms (or syndrome as opposed to a virus) caused by HIV. A person is said to have AIDS when their immune system is too weak to fight off infection, and they develop certain defining symptoms and illnesses. This is the last stage of HIV, when the infection is very advanced, and if left untreated will lead to death.
Basic facts about AIDS
- AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome; it’s also called advanced HIV infection or late-stage HIV.
- AIDS is a set of symptoms and illnesses that develop as a result of advanced HIV infection which has destroyed the immune system.
- Fewer people develop AIDS now because treatment for HIV means that more people are staying well.
Although there is no cure for HIV, with the right treatment and support, people living with HIV can enjoy long and healthy lives. To do this, it’s especially important to commit to taking treatment correctly.
HIV is found in semen, blood, vaginal and anal fluids and breastmilk.
HIV cannot be transmitted through urine, sweat or saliva.
