The collection of illnesses that the HIV virus caused was called AIDS, and anyone could be affected by it. It soon became clear that Africa, in particular, had been hit hard by AIDS, but also that the virus had now spread all over the world. It appeared that HIV was not only passed on during sex, but also through blood and breast milk.

 

Since 1996, there is treatment that can suppress HIV. The treatment consists of antiretroviral drugs. You have to take these pills every day. There is also antiretroviral treatment which involves injections every two months. And other treatment is being developed which would suppress the virus for six months.

 

If you are not on antiretroviral treatment, your immune system gets weakened and you can easily become infected with other infections and diseases that could be fatal.