‘Human Immunodeficiency Virus’, HIV is a virus that affects and weakens a person’s immune system, leaving that person susceptible to other infections and diseases such as cancer. The late stage of HIV occurs when the body’s defence system is so poor to the extent that the individual is affected by various different infections and suffers multiple complications that could be life-threatening.
According to an Infectious Diseases Consultant, this stage is known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, AIDS. It could potentially be avoided if the HIV infection is detected and treated from an early stage.
Doctor Dayang Hajah Rosmonaliza binti Haji Awang Asli said testing and treatment for HIV is actually accessible and the public can go to the nearest health centre to get tested. If they are found to be HIV-positive, they will be referred to the Infectious Disease Unit.
Source: Radio Television Brunei