WHAT IS HIV/AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), a health condition in which a person is affected by a series of diseases because of poor immunity. HIV by itself is not an illness and does not instantly lead to AIDS. There is no way of knowing whether just looking at them infects someone. An HIV-infected person can lead a healthy life for several years before developing AIDS. However, during this period, he or she can pass the virus to others.

AIDS is a health condition where the body's immune system is gradually destroyed following an HIV infection. Over a period of time, the immune system weakens and the body loses its natural ability to fight against diseases. Eventually the infected person may lose weight and become ill with diseases like persistent severe diarrhea, fever, skin diseases, pneumonia, TB or tumors. At this stage, he or she has now developed AIDS