About HIV & Hepatitis C

HIV

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.  It is a virus that is carried in the blood and other body fluids and damages the body’s immune system leaving it susceptible to illness and infection.  There is no cure for HIV but there are drugs that can slow the progress of the condition.    

If untreated, HIV can progress to an advanced stage known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). If someone has been diagnosed with AIDS then they have become so ill that they have one of a number of infections or cancers that are said to be “AIDS-defining” illnesses. Like HIV, there is no cure for AIDS.  

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Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C, like HIV, is also carried in the blood.  The Hepatitis C virus attacks the liver and it can lie undetected for many years. 

Some people infected with Hepatitis C will never show symptoms and for those diagnosed there are treatments that can eliminate the virus from the body.  Treatments, unfortunately, do not always work for everyone and, if left untreated, the condition can lead to severe liver disease.   

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