HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that weakens the body’s immune system and uses it to reproduce itself. AIDS is the final stage of the HIV infection. It develops in HIV positive people when their immune system is too weak to combat a range of diseases.
HIV is a virus which is most commonly passed on by sexual contact. HIV attacks cells of the immune system. Untreated, the immune system weakens so that the body cannot defend against various bacteria, viruses and other germs. This is when AIDS (commonly now called late-stage HIV infection) develops. However, early detection and early treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) means that people living with HIV can lead active and healthy lives.
Having HIV does not always mean that you have AIDS. It can take many years for people with the virus to develop AIDS.