HIV
HIV is a virus which attacks the immune system, and weakens your ability to fight infections and disease.
Its most commonly caught by having sex without a condom but can also be caught by coming into contact with infected blood by sharing needles, or through birth or breastfeeding from an HIV-positive mother to her child.
Most people who are infected with HIV experience a short, flu-like illness that occurs two to six weeks after infection. This is called a seroconversion illness. After this, most people with HIV will look and feel healthy, and may not experience any symptoms for many years.
AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, when your body is no longer able to fight life-threatening infections. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people with HIV will not go on to develop AIDS.
There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments and care which enable most people with the virus to live a long and otherwise healthy life.
Getting tested for HIV can be done through a simple blood test. This can be done in clinic, or at home, by ordering a self-testing kit.
For more information, you can also visit the HIV guide from the Family Planning Association.