What are HIV and AIDS?
What is HIV?HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
If someone has been infected with HIV, the virus weakens their immune system, which makes it difficult for their body to fight off other infections and cancers.
Initially, someone with HIV may show no symptoms as their immune system manages to control it. However, in most cases their immune system will need help from anti-HIV drugs to keep the HIV infection under control. These drugs do not rid the body of HIV completely, but can help to keep the level of infection low enough for them to lead long and healthy lives.
Find out more about treatment for HIV.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
AIDS is not a single condition. Instead it refers to the range of illnesses that someone with HIV may get if their immune system becomes weakened by the HIV virus.
When a person’s immune system can no longer cope because of the damage caused by HIV, they may start to get one or more specific illnesses that can take hold more easily in someone with a weakened immune system. These illnesses include pneumonia and cancers.
Instead of the term AIDS, you may hear of someone being described as having late-stage or advanced HIV infection.
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