HIV and AIDS

What is HIV and AIDS?

HIV is a virus that weakens the body's defences against germs. AIDS is the last and most serious stage of HIV infection if it goes untreated.

Signs

Many people feel nothing at first; some get a flu-like illness. Later come swollen glands, weight loss, fever, diarrhoea and cough, and serious infections like TB.

How it spreads

Through blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk: unprotected sex, shared needles, unsafe blood, and from mother to baby. Hugging, kissing, and sharing food or water do not spread it.

How to protect yourself

Use condoms and get tested. Daily or long-acting medicines (PrEP) protect people at risk. Pregnant women with HIV can take medicine so their baby stays free of HIV.

Get medical help

Get tested if you might have been exposed; medicine taken soon after exposure (PEP) can stop infection. HIV medicine cannot cure it but lets people live long, healthy lives.

In Dooram's words, from the World Health Organization. Source: WHO fact sheet: HIV and AIDS, read 8 October 2026. General information, not medical advice.