So what is HIV?

Simply put, HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the virus that causes AIDS. Your body has an immune system that fights off infections and diseases. HIV destroys the cells that make up your body's immune system, and leaves you unable to fight off diseases.

Let’s break it down and get it clear …

Human	This virus can only affect humans
Immunodeficiency	The virus damages the cells that make up your body's immune system and causes it to malfunction, and leaves you unable to fight off diseases.
Virus	The germ attaches itself to living cells and multiplies quickly, weakening healthy cells in the process.

 

What about AIDS?

If you are infected with HIV, in time you will develop AIDS, the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. This occurs when the number of cells destroyed passes a certain level. If this happens, your body becomes exposed to a wide range of serious illnesses.

What’s that all about???

Acquired	The virus can only be transmitted from one infected individual to another.
Immune	The immune system is the body's 'firewall' that protects it and helps to fight off diseases.
Deficiency	The virus attacks the immune system preventing it from protecting the body against diseases.
Syndrome	An infected person becomes exposed to a wide range of severe illnesses.