About HIV
What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a long-term condition that affects the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells that help the body fight infection.
Without treatment, HIV can weaken the immune system over time.
Thanks to major medical advances, HIV is now a manageable condition. People diagnosed early and treated effectively can expect to live long, healthy lives.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV is the virus itself. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is not a separate virus, but a medical term used to describe the most advanced stage of HIV.
A diagnosis of AIDS occurs when HIV has severely damaged the immune system and a person develops certain serious infections or illnesses. Today, most people living with HIV will never develop AIDS, because effective treatment prevents the virus from progressing in this way.
How is HIV treated today?
HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking daily medication that stops the virus from replicating.
With effective treatment:
-
the amount of HIV in the blood becomes undetectable
-
the immune system is protected
-
people can live full, active lives
Treatment is lifelong, but when taken consistently it is highly effective.
U=U:
Undetectable = Untransmissable
When a person living with HIV is on effective treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load, the virus cannot be passed on through sex.
This is known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).
U=U is supported by strong global scientific evidence and has transformed understanding of HIV. It reduces stigma, supports healthy relationships, and highlights the importance of access to testing and treatment.
Download the UNAIDS explainer
HIV and the brain: what is HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND)?
Brain image by StarGladeVintage
Some people living with HIV experience difficulties with memory, concentration, thinking, coordination or behaviour.
These may be caused by HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), where HIV affects the brain and nervous system.
HAND can range from mild cognitive changes to more severe impairment, particularly in people who were diagnosed late or experienced interruptions in treatment.
Mildmay Hospital is internationally recognised for its specialist care for people with HIV-related neurological conditions. Through a combination of medical management, rehabilitation therapies and structured support, many people experience stabilisation or significant improvement in cognitive and physical function.
Living with HIV
HIV affects people in different ways. Alongside medical treatment, some people face challenges related to stigma, mental health, ageing, housing instability or social isolation.
At Mildmay Hospital, we take a whole-person approach to care, recognising that health is shaped by medical, psychological and social factors. Our work is grounded in dignity, respect and trauma-informed practice.
Testing, prevention and early diagnosis
Mildmay does not provide walk-in HIV testing or outpatient clinics. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for long-term health.
For testing, prevention and general HIV information, we recommend:
Mildmay’s role in HIV care
Mildmay runs a specialist charitable hospital in East London, providing inpatient care and rehabilitation for people with complex HIV-related conditions, including advanced illness and neurological impairment.
We work closely with NHS partners and community organisations to ensure people receive the right care, at the right time, in the right setting.
Our UK work is complemented by long-standing international partnerships in Uganda and Kenya.
Why Mildmay is different
Mildmay is not a general HIV clinic. We are a specialist hospital providing inpatient care and rehabilitation for people with complex HIV-related needs that cannot be met in standard settings.
Our expertise includes HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, advanced illness, and rehabilitation focused on restoring independence and quality of life. We combine medical care with therapy, psychological support and social care planning, treating the whole person – not just the virus.
Stigma and HIV
HIV is a medical condition that, unfortunately, still carries significant stigma.
This often arises from a lack of accurate information or moral judgments about how someone contracted the virus, since HIV is primarily transmitted through sex and, in some cases, injecting drugs.
Stigma can take many forms, including:
-
hostility or discrimination
-
verbal or physical abuse
-
being avoided or excluded from activities once taken for granted.
People can experience stigma in any part of their lives—within families, relationships, workplaces, or social and community spaces such as schools, clubs, or places of worship.
The impact of stigma goes beyond social exclusion. It can affect emotional wellbeing and mental health, and many people living with HIV internalise these negative attitudes, developing a poor self-image. Fear of being judged or discriminated against if their status is revealed can further isolate people and prevent them from seeking support or care.
If you are experiencing stigma
This is a link to the Terrence Higgins Trust website page on stigma.
FIND your FOUR
When you are living with HIV, it’s important to think about what you need to live well, whatever that may look like for you.
Find Your Four provides guidance to help you to think about four aspects of your broader health and wellbeing. These are your mind, your body, your everyday life and support now, and in the future. This is to help you get ready to talk to your HIV doctor, nurse or support group about why they matter.
Find Your Four is a campaign developed and funded by Gilead Sciences, in collaboration with the HIV community.