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What is HIV?

by Editor

HIV

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus attacks healthy cells in your body, namely the T cells (also referred to as T4, helper-T, or CD4 cells) – these cells are the ones that fight off infections to keep our body healthy.

Once the virus attacks a T cell, its main aim is to multiply. The virus can multiply in such numbers that it causes the T cell to explode, when this happens the virus is released into the bloodstream and goes on to attack new T cells – this is how it spreads.

When HIV is contracted your body begins to produce antibodies in an attempt to try and fight the virus, it is these antibodies that are picked up in an HIV test.

If you are worried that you are HIV positive (HIV+) you should wait approximately three months before getting tested as it takes a while for these antibodies to materialise. It’s important to remember that you can still pass HIV on during this period.

When some people first become infected they experience flu-like symptoms; other people feel totally fine. One thing to remember is that if you have been newly infected your viral load will be high and so to will your chances of passing the virus on.

Many HIV+ people remain healthy for a long time before getting sick. Many people take Anti Retroviral drugs which can help fight the virus and stop it spreading as quickly.

After a certain amount of time HIV develops into AIDS.