HIV - meaning and definition
Alsohuman immunodeficiency virusHIV infectionHIV/AIDS
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system by attacking CD4 cells; with modern treatment, people living with HIV can expect a near-normal lifespan.
At a glance
- HIV weakens the immune system by attacking CD4 cells.
- It is not passed on through kissing, touching, or sharing cups or toilets.
- With treatment, people living with HIV can expect a near-normal lifespan.
- A person with an undetectable viral load cannot pass HIV on to sexual partners.
- Prevention options include condoms, PrEP, PEP and treatment as prevention.
In detail
HIV is passed on through certain body fluids, mainly during anal or vaginal sex without a condom or PrEP, by sharing injecting equipment, or from parent to baby. It is not passed on through kissing, touching, sharing cups or toilets.
Without treatment, HIV slowly damages the immune system and can lead to AIDS. With antiretroviral therapy taken as prescribed, the virus is controlled, and a person with an undetectable viral load cannot pass HIV on to sexual partners.
HIV is diagnosed with a blood test, including rapid and self-tests. Prevention options include condoms, PrEP, PEP and treatment as prevention.
In a sentence
- His profile says he is HIV-negative and on PrEP.
- The community centre offers free HIV testing every Friday.
- She has been living with HIV for years and is undetectable.
Where the word comes from
The virus was identified in 1983 and was given the name "human immunodeficiency virus" (HIV) in 1986.
Not to be confused with
Common questions
How is HIV passed on?
HIV is passed on through certain body fluids, mainly during anal or vaginal sex without a condom or PrEP, by sharing injecting equipment, or from parent to baby. It is not passed on through kissing, touching or sharing cups or toilets.
Is HIV still a death sentence?
No. With antiretroviral treatment taken as prescribed, people living with HIV can expect a near-normal lifespan, and those with an undetectable viral load cannot pass HIV on through sex.
How do you test for HIV?
HIV is diagnosed with a blood test, including rapid tests and self-tests. Each test has a window period, so timing matters. A sexual health clinic or doctor can advise on your own situation.