The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted virus that attacks the body's immune system. A healthy immune system provides a natural defence against disease and infection. It affects men and women. HIV was first identified in the UK in 1981. Since then, about 97,423* people in the UK have been infected.
What is AIDS?
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a term that is used to describe the latter stages of HIV, when the immune system has stopped working and the person develops a life-threatening condition, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs). Since 1981 over 24,118* people in the UK have developed AIDS. Over 18,000 of these people have died.
How is it passed on?
HIV can be passed on through unprotected vaginal, oral and anal sex. It can be passed on by people who share needles to inject illegal drugs. HIV can also be spread from a mother to her unborn child. However, medicines can now be used to prevent this from happening.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Most people don't notice they have become infected with HIV, but symptoms can include a flu-like illness that occurs shortly after getting infected
Symptoms vary from person to person and occur when the immune system is so damaged that other infections begin to cause health problems.
What are the tests and treatments?
A HIV test must be taken from a sample of blood. It is necessary to wait three months after infection might have happened before doing the HIV test. There is no cure for HIV. However, there are now medicines available that can slow the progress of HIV. People who are HIV positive can stay healthy for many years with anti-HIV drugs.
