HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a viral infection that can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk. If people already have a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and they’re exposed to HIV, their chances of getting HIV are increased.
When people first get infected with HIV, they often have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. The virus continues to weaken the immune system over a period of years. This may permit the development of specific infections and diseases that a healthy immune system can typically fight off. People with HIV sometimes use medications to strengthen their immune system, decrease the amount of virus in the body and treat the different illnesses caused by HIV. HIV can be managed with the right medications, but there is no cure.
If left untreated, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). But with medication to treat HIV, an AIDS diagnosis may never happen or may take decades to happen. Not all people with HIV develop AIDS. It’s impossible to say how someone’s body will respond to the virus because of the differences in people’s immune systems.
