People with HIV get sick with diseases called opportunistic infections. They are more likely to get TB and they also get unusual diseases like systemic thrush (severe fungal infections of the throat, stomach or vagina), cryptococcal meningitis (infection of the brain caused by a fungus) and PCP pneumonia. ARVs do not treat these diseases. You have to take other medicines to treat them. However, ARVs strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of you getting these diseases.

Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation & Marie Stopes

See also:

• More on opportunistic infections
• More about opportunistic infections prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is outcome for opportunistic infections if you have HIV?
• What about opportunistic infections with hiv and pregnancy?
• Does treatment of hiv stop opportunistic infections spreading?
• How to treat hiv with opportunistic infections?
• Do hiv and opportunistic infections increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease?