1st December 2024
Today is World AIDS Day ❤️ In the UK, more than 105,000 people are living with HIV. Medical advances mean people with HIV in the UK can expect a long and healthy life and that we have the tools to stop HIV transmissions for good. But HIV continues to be highly stigmatised and misunderstood, so let's talk about it! HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which attacks the immune system - the body's defence against diseases. HIV stays in the body for life, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. Without medication people with HIV can develop AIDS. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection when the immune system can no longer fight infections. Someone with AIDS has both HIV and at least one of a specific list of 'AIDS-defining' diseases, which include tuberculosis, pneumonia and some types of cancer. YorSexualHealth (YSH) runs a free and confidential support service for people living with HIV and their partners and carers in York and North Yorkshire. Visit https://www.yorsexualhealth.org.uk/our-services/hiv-care-and-support/ for more information.
