Home: HIV/AIDS: FAQ
Questions and answers
- What is HIV and AIDS?
- What is AIDS?
- Is there a cure?
- How can I get HIV?
- What is safe sex?
- What is the difference between being infected with HIV and what is AIDS or is it the same?
- What is VCT?
- If you test HIV positive, what does it mean?
- What are your rights as an HIV positive person?
1. What is HIV and AIDS?
HIV stands for "Human Immunodeficiency Virus".
HIV is a virus, which is a germ that is very small. It weakens the body until it can no longer fight off diseases. HIV is not Aids.
2. What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome". AIDS is any illness that arises out of weakness. These illnesses include Tuberculosis, cancer, pneumonia, and great weight loss due to a constant upset stomach.
3. Is there a cure?
There is no cure at present. The medication available only prolongs your life.
4. How can I get HIV?
You can get HIV through:
- Contact with infected blood;
- Sex with an infected person;
- An infected mother to her baby.
5. What is safe sex?
Safe sex means sex that is absolutely safe. Lots of activities are completely safe. You can kiss, cuddle, massage and rub each other’s bodies. But if you have cuts or sores on your hands make sure they are covered with plasters (band-aids).
Oral sex (one person kissing, licking or sucking the sexual areas of another person) does carry some risk of infection. Infected fluid could get into the mouth. The virus could then get into the blood if you have bleeding gums or tiny sores somewhere in the mouth.
Safe sex also means using a condom during sexual intercourse. Using a condom is not absolutely safe as condoms can break.
6. What is the difference between being infected with HIV and what is AIDS or is it the same?
Being infected with HIV means that the virus is in your system and AIDS is an illness that weakens your system and eventually you will die.
7. What is VCT?
VCT stands for "Voluntary Counseling Testing".
You cannot be forced to have an HIV test, it is your choice. The results are confidential and the test will help you plan your future to prevent the further spread of the disease.
8. If you test HIV positive, what does it mean?
It means that:
- you can stay healthy for a long period;
- you are infected with the HIV virus;
- you should avoid infecting others;
- you should use a condom to protect your partner and yourself.
9. What are your rights as an HIV positive person?
- Counselling: get the right information about having the test and what to do after it.
- Consent: no one can give you an HIV test unless you agree to it.
- Confidentiality: no one may tell anyone the result of your test without your permission.
