HIV and AIDS Flashcards

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Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What does HIV stand for, and what type of pathogen is it?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus.

What does AIDS stand for?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

How does HIV damage the immune system?

HIV infects and destroys some white blood cells. This makes it harder for the body to fight off infections and some cancers.

What is the relationship between HIV and AIDS?

HIV is the virus that infects a person. AIDS is the name for the set of serious illnesses that can develop after HIV has badly damaged the immune system.

How can HIV be spread from one person to another?

HIV can spread through certain body fluids. It can be passed on during unprotected sex, by sharing needles, in infected blood, and from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.

Why might someone with HIV feel healthy for many years after infection?

In the early stages HIV can be asymptomatic. This means it causes no clear symptoms, even though the virus is still in the body and slowly damaging the immune system.

Why do people with AIDS often get many different infections?

People with AIDS have a very weak immune system. They are much more likely to catch infections and for these infections to become serious.

Give two ways to reduce the risk of spreading HIV during sex.

Using condoms correctly and limiting the number of sexual partners both reduce the risk of passing on HIV.

How can drug users reduce their risk of getting HIV?

Drug users can reduce their risk by not sharing needles or other injecting equipment. This stops blood from one person entering another person's body.

Can HIV be cured or prevented with a vaccine at present?

At present there is no cure and no widely used vaccine for HIV. However, medicines can control the virus.

What do antiretroviral drugs do for someone with HIV?

Antiretroviral drugs slow down the reproduction of HIV in the body. This helps the person stay healthy for longer and makes it less likely that they will develop AIDS.

How does testing blood for HIV before transfusions help to control the disease?

Testing blood before it is given to a patient makes sure the blood does not contain HIV. This stops the virus being passed on through transfusions.

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