BASICS OF PREVENTION

Differences Between HIV and AIDS
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus	AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system	AIDS is a condition where a person with HIV has different manifestations of signs and symptoms.
Patients will experience minor flu-like symptoms after 2 to 4 weeks after infection.	Patients will experience severe flu-like symptoms.

HIV is not AIDS but can turn into AIDS when HIV gets worse. There is no effective medicine that can cure HIV. A patient infected with HIV will carry the virus for life, but with proper treatment, HIV is controllable. Patients undergoing HIV treatment can live every day and healthy lives.

What does a person with HIV usually experience?

A person infected with HIV will experience mild flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks after infection. Some symptoms could last for more than four weeks, while others experience no symptoms. Those who show no symptoms will only know that they were infected once tested for HIV.

There are different ways to prevent HIV. The most basic ways of prevention are called the ABCD of HIV or simply A for Abstinence, B for Being Faithful, C for condom use, and D for Do Not Use Drugs.

A is Abstinence!

Abstinence or restraining from engaging in risky sexual behavior can help prevent transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

B is Being Faithful!

A monogamous relationship or not having unprotected multiple sexual partners can help prevent STIs, including HIV.

C is Condom-Use!

If A and B fail or are hard to follow, consistent and proper use of condoms is an effective and accessible way to prevent HIV.

D is Do not Use Drugs.

Using drugs, sharing needles, syringes, and other injection equipment poses a risk of contracting HIV. It could lead to unprotected sex or risky sexual behavior. Sharing used needles and syringes that could be infected with HIV also increases the risk of contracting HIV.