HIV

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and weakens the body's natural way to fight infections.

HIV is a virus that affects the body’s ability to fight off infections. It is the virus that

causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).


Most people with HIV look healthy and have no symptoms for many years. Eventually, the immune system becomes badly weakened and AIDS may develop. This can lead to life threatening illnesses and death. However, in recent years, new treatments have become available which are allowing people to live much longer and healthier lives with HIV.



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More information

  • Signs and symptoms

    Soon after getting HIV infection, some people may feel as if they have the flu. They may have a fever, headache, tiredness and a rash. Others may not. Sometimes people start getting illnesses years after they first get infected. People with HIV can look and feel healthy. Many people don't realise they have it because they don't feel or see anything wrong. If a person has a blood test to check if they have HIV, it can sometimes take up to three months (after infection) for the virus to show up on the blood test.

  • Risk factors

    You are at risk if you have anal or vaginal sex without a condom or share needles, syringes or other injecting equipment with someone who has HIV. If you are HIV-positive and pregnant and are not on treatment, there is a risk that your baby may be born with HIV.

  • Treatment

    Currently there is no vaccine or cure for HIV, but people who are HIV-positive can take daily medications which keep HIV under control.