What are HIV and AIDS?

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, if not treated. Unlike some other viruses, the human body can’t get rid of HIV completely, even with treatment. read more

HIV attacks and destroys a type of white blood cell: the CD4 cell, also called the T-cell. Its job is to fight disease. But HIV uses proteins in the cell to make a copy of itself and then kills the cell. This can go on for 10 years or more without you having any symptoms. AIDS is the later stage of HIV infection. read more

AIDS is also referred to as 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. Treatment for HIV means that more people are staying well, with fewer people developing AIDS. read more