What is it?

HIV stands for the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus. This is a virus that people can become infected with and that they can then pass on to other people.

When someone becomes infected with HIV it begins to attack their immune system which is the body's defence against illness. This process is not visible.

A person infected with HIV may look and feel perfectly well for many years and they may not know that they are infected. Then as the person's immune system weakens they become vulnerable to illnesses, many of which they would normally fight off.

When a person is infected with HIV they are likely as time goes by to be ill more and more often. A person is said to have AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) when, usually several years after first becoming infected with HIV, they have developed one of a number of particularly severe illnesses.

How can it be passed on?

In the following ways:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse - vaginal, oral or anal without using a condom
• Sharing contaminated needles, syringes and 'works'
• From an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding
• From contaminated blood or blood products

It can't be passed on by:

• Shaking hands
• Kissing
• Touching or hugging
• Sharing cups, cutlery, crockery or towels.

HIV is not spread by sneezing or coughing or from tears or sweat.

A person does not get infected with HIV from daily contact.

Find out more:

• AVERT

See also:

• Support for adults with HIV / AIDS
• Support for children with HIV / AIDS