What is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?
HIV is the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS. The virus attacks and destroys our body's immune system, that is, it destroys the defense mechanisms that protect us from diseases.
There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2, the former being the most common worldwide.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is a set of signs and symptoms that appear due to a deficiency in the immune system, which becomes less responsive throughout the course of the disease. It can occur after HIV infection.
It is important to note that being infected with HIV is not the same as having AIDS. People who are infected with HIV are HIV-positive, and may or may not develop AIDS.
What are the symptoms?
Initially, the person infected with HIV has no symptoms. After contracting the infection, there may be flu-like symptoms:
- fever
- headaches
- tiredness
- inflamed lymph nodes in the neck and groin
Subsequently, the symptoms become more severe, such as:
- Rapid Weight Loss
- Serious infections
- pneumonia
- prolonged diarrhoea
- lesions in the mouth, anus, or genitals
- Memory loss
- depression
- Other neurological disorders
How is it transmitted?
HIV can be transmitted through:
- unprotected sex (not using a condom) with people infected with HIV. Sexual practices with a person with HIV carry a risk of transmission, however:
- Unprotected anal sex has a higher risk than unprotected vaginal sex
- In unprotected anal sex between men, there is a greater risk to the receptive person
- unprotected oral sex can also pose a risk of HIV transmission, but the risk is lower than with anal or vaginal penetration
- Multiple sexual partners or the existence of other sexually transmitted diseases can increase the risk of infection during sexual intercourse
- sharing needles, syringes or other equipment used in the preparation of illicit drugs for injection
- mother-to-child transmission: HIV can be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth or through breast milk
HIV is not transmitted through:
- Handshakes, hugs and kisses
- sweat or saliva
- Sharing plates, cutlery or glasses
- clothing
- coughing or sneezing
- conversation or social contacts
- Insect bite
- Use of bathrooms
Source: Directorate-General for Health (DGS)