Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is not the same thing as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV is an infection, and when left untreated, it can slowly make the body worse at fighting other infections or diseases that a healthy person may otherwise be able to fight.

These days, with advancement in medications and treatments, it is very uncommon for HIV to develop into AIDS. People with HIV on treatment will likely never get AIDS. And because of the community work and research done by 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities and allies HIV is no longer the death sentence that it once was. Take a look through this section to learn more about how HIV works.

This section was adapted, with permission, from The Sex You Want Website.
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