About HIV/Aids

What is HIV/AIDS?

The Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

What causes HIV/Aids?

Two viruses cause AIDS, namely HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the predominant virus in most parts of the world, whereas HIV-2 is most commonly found in West Africa.

What are the symptoms of HIV/Aids?

The majority of people will have some symptoms about three weeks after they have been infected with HIV. These symptoms are similar to those of glandular fever.

HIV/Aids prevalence

This section looks at how common HIV/Aids is.

What is the course of HIV/Aids?

The disease is best understood as a continuum from initial infection to terminal illness.

HIV/Aids risk factors

Who is at risk of HIV infection?

HIV: When to call a doctor

This section explains when a doctor should be consulted.

Diagnosing HIV

This section explains the types of HIV tests available.

How is HIV treated?

This section discussing home treatment and medication.

HIV prevention

Do you know how to protect yourself from HIV? Here's how.

Story of a virus

From whispers of 'gay plague' in the early 80s to 40 million infected today, the story of HIV/AIDS is one of the most fascinating in history. Here it is in distilled form.