Back to Graphic version

HIV Basics

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that affects a person’s immune system, reducing the ability of the body to fight against infection and cancers.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It was a term used a lot historically to describe a particular stage a person with HIV had reached in their illness. The use of the term is limited today. We are more likely to describe someone as HIV positive, or living with HIV, along with the words symptomatic (displaying symptoms) or asymptomatic (not displaying symptoms).

HIV is present in all the bodily fluids of someone who is HIV positive. The only fluids that the virus can be transmitted from are breast milk, semen, blood and vaginal fluid.

The virus can only be passed on to another person if those fluids get into his/her body. Although it is possible to test for HIV using saliva and other body fluids, the level of virus in these fluids is far too low to be infectious.

The ways in which HIV is transmitted are:

  • Unprotected anal or vaginal sex
  • Intravenous drug use when use of injecting equipment is shared
  • “Vertically”, from mother-to-baby during the course of pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding
  • Through blood and blood products, for example transfusions and organ or tissue transplants

HIV infection is usually detected by testing for antibodies to the HIV virus. It may take up to 3 months for these antibodies to develop after exposure to the virus.

In 2006 over 7,000 people were diagnosed with HIV in the UK. There are currently over 73,000 people living with HIV in the UK. One in three of these infections is undiagnosed.

The development of new and improved treatments for both the underlying HIV infection and the opportunistic infections has significantly altered the future for people living with HIV.

Although these treatments have their side effects, people are now able to live longer and healthier lives. With the appropriate support individuals are able to remain in employment, have a family, plan for the future.

Unfortunately, although the medical advancements have been revolutionary, continuing stigma and discrimination about HIV can be a major barrier to HIV positive people in leading a normal life.

These websites have more detailed information about HIV:

Avert -  www.avert.org

Plain English UK website with a wealth of information on HIV in the UK and globally. Excellent resources for the non-expert, children, young people and schools.

NAM – National Aids Map – www.aidsmap.com

Reliable and accurate HIV information from the UK's experts for HIV positive people and professionals who provide treatment, support, and care.

NAT – National Aids Trust - www.nat.org.uk

The National AIDS Trust is the UK's leading independent policy and campaigning voice on HIV and AIDS.