what is the meaning of hiv

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the bodys immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells. HIV destroys these CD4 cells, weakening a person’s immune system and making it easier for them to get sick. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is the most serious stage of HIV infection. AIDS occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus. 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 left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS. However, with proper medical care and treatment, HIV can be controlled, and people with HIV can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners. There is currently no effective cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) is available, which can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to a very low level, a state known as viral suppression. People with HIV who take HIV medicine as prescribed and achieve an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives and will not transmit HIV to their HIV-negative partners through sex. HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy, and the goal of treatment is to reduce the viral load in the blood to undetectable levels. HIV weakens the body’s ability to fight other infections, and without treatment, people will become more susceptible to other severe illnesses such as tuberculosis, cryptococcal meningitis, bacterial infections, and some cancers including lymphomas and Kaposi’s sarcoma.