1.2. What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome.
A = Acquired
I = Immune
D = Deficiency
S = Syndrome
Acquired: This means that you must do something to get AIDS. It cannot be passed through the air.
Immune: This is the body's defence system that fights germs and infections.
Deficiency: This relates to the lack of CD4 cells that help to fight infections.
Syndrome: This refers to a collection of different signs and symptoms that are all part of a certain medical condition.
AIDS is the result of the damage caused by the HIV to the immune system. A damaged immune system is unable to protect the body against certain specific 'opportunistic' infections and tumours. They are called 'opportunistic' because they are caused by organisms that are normally controlled by the immune system but which 'take the opportunity' to cause disease if the immune system has been damaged.
When you are HIV positive you might contract opportunistic infections such as Tuberculosis (TB), Pneumonia (PCP) and different forms of cancer (Kaposi's Sarcoma). Note: if you have TB, Pneumonia or cancer it does not mean that you are HIV positive. You still need to get an HIV test. Unlike most other diseases, different people with AIDS may experience different health problems, depending on which specific opportunistic infections they develop.
See 1.4 What are the stages of the disease?
The National AIDS Helpline provides a confidential, anonymous 24-hour toll-free telephone counselling, information and referral service for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS. The operator can give you a list of organisations providing support and care to HIV positive people and their families. Call 0800 012 322.


NOTE! Read more about HIV and AIDS by following the menu on the left.