Sexually Transmitted Infections
What is HIV?
HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the cells of the immune system and weakens the ability to fight everyday infections and illnesses.
AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life threatening infections and illnesses that happen when your immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus. While AIDS cannot be transmitted from 1 person to another, the HIV virus can.
Although currently there is no cure for the HIV virus, with an early diagnosis and effective treatments, most people with HIV will not develop any AIDS related illnesses and will live a normal lifespan. This is as when HIV is undetectable it is untransmissible.
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More Sexually Transmitted Infections Q&A
Does pregnancy place women at increased risk of becoming infected with HIV?
Does having another STI place a person at greater risk of infection if they are exposed to HIV?
Can HIV be transmitted through hugging, shaking hands or mosquito bites?
What is the difference between a STD and STI?
I get cold sores. Can I pass these onto others if I give someone else oral sex?
Can STIs be transmitted through oral sex ?
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