World Aids Day

HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which attacks the body's immune system — the body's defence against diseases. HIV can be passed on through infected bodily fluids, most commonly via sex without a condom or by sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment.

There are now more people than ever living with HIV in the UK — around 100,000 — with a quarter of those people are unaware they have the virus. Here are a few more facts about HIV in the UK:

• Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact
• You can now get tested for HIV using a saliva sample
• HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils
• Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV
• You can get the results of an HIV test in just 15-20 minutes
• There is no vaccine and no cure for HIV

Get involved with the National AIDS Trust's World AIDS Day campaign.

This year the Campaign asking people to show solidarity with the 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK - and the 34 million world-wide - by wearing the universal symbol of HIV awareness, the red ribbon. We want you to get creative - put it on clothes, on food, on buildings. There is nowhere the red ribbon cannot go! So no matter what you do this World AIDS Day, make sure you #PutARibbonOnIt

Find out more about the world aids day here.