HIV infection and AIDS

HIV is a virus that damages cells involved in the body’s defence against disease. Over time, this damage can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections.

If the immune system becomes severely damaged, HIV infection may progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A person with AIDS is especially vulnerable to other infections because their immune defences are severely weakened.

HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV is the pathogen; AIDS is a possible later condition caused by the effects of HIV on the immune system. Not everyone with HIV develops AIDS.