HIV stands for the Human Immune Deficiency Virus. This is the name of the virus (germ) that causes AIDS. The virus affects the body's immune system. The immune system protects and fights off disease in the body. It is not possible to look at a person and know that he/she is infected with HIV. Many people who are infected with the virus can live for some time without showing signs of being sick. People infected with the virus are called HIV-positive. The only way a person can know if he/she has been infected is to go to the clinic for a blood test.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrom. This means that someone who is infected with HIV is now beginning to become sick because his/her immune system is not able to protect the body properly. When a person has AIDS he/she is often sick with different illnesses. People take a long time to recover form these illnesses.

Medicines can help people with HIV or AIDS to stay healthier for longer, but they do not cure HIV/AIDS.

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