HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks your body’s immune system, decreasing its ability to fight off other viruses, infection and bacteria.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the collection of disease that develops as a result of infection with the HIV virus. Not all cases of HIV lead to AIDS.
Unlike some viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV. Whilst no cure for HIV currently exists, it can be controlled with proper medical care.
Treatment for people living with HIV is fully available in the UK, and effective treatment means people living with the virus can live a healthy life with a normal life expectancy. HIV is no longer a death sentence, but not everyone has access to effective treatment.