HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the bodys immune system. It weakens the immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. HIV is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex or through sharing injection drug equipment. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) . AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.
Here are some key facts about HIV:
- HIV is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases.
- HIV infection in humans came from a type of chimpanzee in Central Africa. The chimpanzee version of the virus is called simian immunodeficiency virus. It was probably passed to humans when humans hunted these chimpanzees for meat and came in contact with their infected blood.
- There is currently no effective cure for HIV. Once people get HIV, they have it for life.
- With proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.
- HIV has three stages: acute HIV infection, clinical latency, and AIDS.
- People may not have any symptoms or get sick during the clinical latency phase but can transmit HIV. People who take HIV treatment as prescribed may never move into Stage 3 (AIDS) .
- Most people with HIV do not develop AIDS because taking HIV medicine as prescribed stops the progression of the disease.
There is no vaccine to prevent HIV infection, but there are ways to reduce the risk of getting HIV, such as using condoms during sex and not sharing needles or other injection equipment. It is important to get tested for HIV regularly, especially if you engage in behaviors that increase your risk of getting HIV.
