HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
It is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Left undiagnosed and untreated HIV can damage the immune system so much so that your body is no longer able to protect itself from infections.
When somebody is living with HIV they are said to be HIV-Positive. Whilst there is no cure for HIV it is treatable with often as little as one pill a day.
People living with HIV can expect to live a normal life expectancy. Recent advances in the understanding of HIV treatment also mean that they can enjoy a healthy sex life and/or create a family if they wish without fear of passing on the virus to their partners and/or children.
Currently 1 in 5 people living with HIV do not know that they have the virus. It’s important that we all get tested regularly.