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HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.

This is a virus in the group of viruses called retroviruses. HIV destroys cells in the body called CD4 T-cells. CD4 T-cells are a type of lymphocyte (a white blood cell) which are part of the immune system. These cells are vital to protect the body against various bacteria, viruses and other 'germs'.

AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

This is a term which covers the range of infections and illnesses which can result from a 'weakened' immune system caused by HIV.

Note: when you are first infected with HIV you do not have AIDS. There is usually a time lag of several years between first being infected with HIV, and then developing infections and other AIDS-related problems. This is because it usually takes several years for the number of CD4 T-cells to reduce to a level where your immune system is weakened.

People with HIV can pass the virus on to others whether or not they have any symptoms.

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