HIV attacks the immune system, left undetected and uncontrolled, this can mean that the ability to fight infections and diseases will become reduced.

Basic Facts

-HIV stands for 'Human Immunodeficiency Virus'

-There is effective antiretroviral treatment available so people can live a normal health life

-If diagnosed early, people living with HIV can have a normal life expectancy. Regular testing for HIV is therefore very important

-HIV is found in blood, semen, vaginal and anal fluids and breast milk

-HIV is not transmitted through sweat, saliva or urine

-Using male or female condoms during sex is the best way to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections

-If you are pregnant and living with HIV, the virus in your blood could pass into your baby's body or after giving birth through breastfeeding

-If pregnant women are effectively treated with Antiretroviral medicines, it is possible to safely have a normal vaginal delivery and avoid transmitting HIV to baby. In the UK, all pregnant women are routinely offered HIV screening by their midwife on their booking bloods

-HIV can be prevented if a HIV negative person takes Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEPSE)

AIDS is a term used to describe a set of symptoms and illnesses caused by advanced untreated HIV. With availability of effective antiretroviral drugs to treat HIV, most people with HIV no longer develop AIDS.
People living with HIV have the best long term outcomes if the HIV infection is detected early. However, even those who have advanced HIV or AIDS at time of diagnosis can make a good recovery with antiretroviral drugs and other medication/therapies.

Basic Facts

-AIDS stands for 'Acquired immune deficiency syndrome'

-Is more commonly referred to as advanced HIV infection or late stage HIV

-Treatment for HIV means more people are staying well and far fewer people are developing AIDS. We advise that patients with advanced HIV infection still attend our services for treatment