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The Facts

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This means that it only affects humans, and cannot be transmitted through animals.

HIV creates a deficiency in the immune system (a group of cells and organs which protect the body by fighting viruses and infections) and makes people more prone to colds, other infections and viruses.

HIV is a virus – a tiny organism that needs to get into someone’s blood to reproduce and thrive. It is the virus that can lead to AIDS.

A person who has HIV is said to be HIV-positive. People who have HIV are infected for life, as there is still no cure. Those living with HIV can look well and healthy for a long time.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. This means that it is not hereditary.

AIDS is indicated by deficiency or failure of the immune system. It is a syndrome – a collection of symptoms, not just one simple illness.

A person is said to have AIDS if they are infected with HIV, and another illness (“opportunistic infections”) then takes advantage of the state of their immune system. This combined effect can make someone seriously ill and even lead to death.

How can people become infected with HIV?

HIV is a blood-borne virus. It is NOT contagious in that it cannot be transferred in any other way than from blood to blood.

There are three main routes of HIV transmission:

• From unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal and anal) and oral sex with an infected partner;
  
  
• From sharing infected drug injecting equipment;
  
  
• From an HIV-positive mother to her child during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.
  

How HIV CANNOT be transmitted:

• Through casual contact (e.g. shaking hands and working together);
  
  
• From a sneeze, kiss, cough or hug;
  
  
• From food handling, sharing a plate or cutlery;
  
  
• From sharing a bathroom, toilets and showers;
  
  
• From sharing stationery, keyboards, books and mobile phones;
  
  
• From sharing shoes and clothes; or
  
  
• From playing sport with someone who is HIV-positive.

Global and UK Stats.