Does a HIV-positive result mean I have AIDS?

No, getting a HIV+ test result does not necessarily mean you have AIDS, most people can be infected with HIV and stay healthy for many years before they become ill and are diagnosed as having AIDS. However, not everybody has a HIV Test early in infection and may do so because of already being ill with what is discovered to be a HIV-related illness.

People Newly Diagnosed HIV+

The aim of this information Sheet is to provide some basic information for people who are newly diagnosed HIV+ and to address some of the concerns someone in this situation may have, obviously in the space available we can only deal with some issues in general terms. It is important to remember that no individual is the same and the progress of HIV and how it affects individuals and how they in turn deal with being HIV+, varies from person to person. There is no ‘typical’ course of infection and there isn’t a right or wrong way to be feeling, reacting or dealing with being HIV+.

What does being HIV+ mean?

Having a HIV+ test result, means that you have been infected with HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus) and your immune system has produced anti-bodies to HIV, you are therefore ‘HIV antibody positive’.

Does being HIV+ mean I have AIDS?

Not necessarily. AIDS is diagnosed when HIV has significantly damaged the immune system or if someone with HIV also has had two Opportunistic Infections.

Many people can be HIV+ for years before becoming ill or being diagnosed as having AIDS.
If these terms and how they affect your diagnosis concern you, you could ask your doctor to explain this to you further.

Does being HIV+ mean I am infectious to other people?

The main ways in which you can transmit (pass on) HIV to other people is through:

• Penetrative vaginal or anal sex without a condom
• Sharing needles during injecting drug-use
• If you are a pregnant woman, you could pass on HIV to your baby during pregnancy, childbirth or through breast-feeding

HIV cannot be passed on through ordinary social contact, hugging, kissing, sharing cutlery, cups etc.