Glossary

cubic millimitre (mm³) – a measure of a volume. Same as microlitre (µL) and million parts per litre (10⁶/L). Practically, a drop of blood.

retrovirus – a family of viruses that includes HIV.

Atherosclerosis refers to a narrowing or hardening of large and medium sized arteries.

The narrowing is caused by a build-up of plaque, and usually takes many years.

As the walls of the artery thicken, the heart has to work harder to pump the same amount of blood through a narrower gap.

non-nuke – a common term for NNRTI.

treat as non-pregnant adult – Treat as non-pregnant adult is a very common phrase in HIV and pregnancy. This means that generally your HIV is treated as if you were not pregnant. There are some exceptions, particularly when you do not need treatment for your own HIV and concerning some of the commonly used HIV drugs.