HIV

Key Stage 4

Meaning

HIV is short for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and is a virus which causes AIDS.

About HIV

HIV infects white blood cells causing the immune system to become weak.

HIV attaches to white blood cells and injects its RNA into the cell. The virus then makes millions of copies of itself before bursting out of, and killing, the cell.

Initially HIV has few symptoms and may feel like a cold. After time the HIV lays dormant and unnoticed. This can be for many years. Eventually HIV has destroyed enough white blood cells to cause AIDS which is short for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

People with AIDS may die of a secondary infection because their immune system has been weakened by the HIV.

HIV is spread by body fluids. This can be through intercourse or blood being passed from one individual to another, in many cases by a used needle.

HIV can be treated with antiretroviral drugs but their effectiveness depends on how soon after infection they are taken. Immediately after infection they can prevent HIV from taking hold. Too long after infection and they will only slow the progress of the virus giving the person a longer time before the develop AIDS.