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HIV: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS: AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS is a condition that results from the HIV infection. Immune System: The immune system is a collection of cells and substances that act as the body’s defense against germs and other things that make people sick. Antibodies: Antibodies are substances that form in the blood when germs enter the body. Antibodies usually defend against illnesses and infections, although this is not the case with HIV antibodies. *When a person gets a test for HIV, they are being tested for antibodies in their blood, not the actual virus. It may take up to three to six months for antibodies to show up on a test for HIV. T-Cells: A type of white blood cell that HIV destroys. Doctors count the number of T-Cells in the blood to determine the strength or weakness of the immune system. A T-Cell count of less than 200 indicates that someone has AIDS. Window Period: The period of time between infection with HIV and when the HIV antibodies can be detected in the blood, usually 3 to 6 months.
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