HIV 101: Does Being HIV-positive Mean I Also Have AIDS?

Does having HIV mean you have AIDS? Absolutely not.

In the U.S., the majority of people living with HIV will never develop AIDS, the most advanced stage of HIV disease, which is also called HIV stage 3.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, but for most people, proper treatment and regular medical care to keep your immune system strong will prevent you from ever developing AIDS. Remember, an HIV-positive test result means only that: You have HIV.