Glossary

We all sometimes see words we don't recognise, or don't understand. The aidsmap glossary brings together words and phrases you might find when reading about HIV and AIDS, particularly in papers written for scientific or medical journals.

If you have suggestions for words or phrases we could add, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch through our contact us page or email us at info@nam.org.uk.

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
false negative

When a person has a medical condition but is diagnosed as not having it.

false positive

When a person does not have a medical condition but is diagnosed as having it.

fatigue

Tiredness, often severe (exhaustion).

fibrosis

Scarring of the liver – the development of hard, fibrous tissue. See also ‘cirrhosis’, which is more severe scarring.

first-line therapy

The regimen used when starting treatment for the first time.

flatulence

Passing gas from the digestive system out of the anus, or back passage (also called 'passing wind' or 'farting').

foetus

An unborn baby.

folliculitis

Infection of the follicles, small sacs or glands in the skin such as those found at the base of hairs.

follow-up

The period of time that a person takes part in a study. 

fungi

A group of organisms, including the yeasts which cause candidiasis and cryptococcosis.

fusion inhibitor

Anti-HIV drug targeting the point where HIV locks on to an immune cell.

Community Consensus Statement on Access to HIV Treatment and its Use for Prevention

Together, we can make it happen

We can end HIV soon if people have equal access to HIV drugs as treatment and as PrEP, and have free choice over whether to take them.

Launched today, the Community Consensus Statement is a basic set of principles aimed at making sure that happens.

The Community Consensus Statement is a joint initiative of AVAC, EATG, MSMGF, GNP+, HIV i-Base, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, ITPC and NAM/aidsmap
close

This content was checked for accuracy at the time it was written. It may have been superseded by more recent developments. NAM recommends checking whether this is the most current information when making decisions that may affect your health.

NAM’s information is intended to support, rather than replace, consultation with a healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor or another member of your healthcare team for advice tailored to your situation.