Finding out the basics

It’s perfectly okay to want the most basic information, such as, 'What’s the difference between HIV and AIDS?' Or, 'How long before HIV makes me ill?' Or, 'Will HIV kill me?' Or, 'What treatment is available?'. This website has a section called, HIV, the basics , which should answer some of your questions and there are lots of organisations, listed in the section called Finding information and support , which you could contact to talk to someone about your situation and have your questions answered.

You may also come across medical terms you don’t understand. It's a good idea to ask your doctor, a nurse or a pharmacist to explain anything you don’t understand, and ask for written information if you still have questions or uncertainties. If you want more detailed information on a particular topic, click on the topics menu to see if there’s a section of this website focusing on the subject you’re interested in.