Does HIV mean that I have AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immmunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus that leads to AIDS.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome:

The majority of individuals infected with HIV do not know they are infected. They look healthy and lead normal lives, often spreading the virus to others.

Testing positive for HIV means that the individual has been exposed to the virus and his/her body is producing antibodies to the virus. A positive HIV test does not mean the individual has AIDS.

After a person becomes infected with HIV, it can take up to six months for them to test positive, because it can take this long for antibodies to develop to levels where they can be detected. Because an infected person may test negative for up to six months after infection, a negative HIV test is not proof that the person is not infected. A negative HIV test basic ally means only that the person was HIV negative six months ago.