HIV and Aids

HIV is an acronym and stands for “humane immune-deficiency virus.” This means: the HI virus damages the human immune system, and therefore your body’s own defenses. The body is no longer able to fight germs, such as bacteria, fungi or viruses. In the worst case, this may lead to life-threatening illnesses, such as serious pneumonia. This is then referred to as Aids. This is also an acronym and stands for “acquired immune deficiency syndrome.”

There is effective medication against HIV, which is generally available. It prevents the multiplying of the virus in the blood, but the virus cannot be removed from the body. Thanks to this medication, most HIV-infected people are able to live with the virus for a long time, without developing Aids.

The medication may, in some cases, have serious side effects and will have to be taken on a lifelong basis. Additional information: https://www.aidshilfe.de/hivaids

In addition to Aidshilfe Düsseldorf new testing project Checkpoint Düsseldorf, you can have a free and anonymous HIV test through the health authorities of the city of Düsseldorf (Gesundheitsamt der Stadt Düsseldorf). Additional centers, which offer testing, can be found via: https://www.aidshilfe.de/hiv-test.

Aidshilfe Düsseldorf is happy to talk to you in regards to any questions or concerns you may have. Please contact us.