Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks cells of the immune system and, without effective treatment, can progressively weaken the body’s ability to fight infections and certain cancers.
HIV primarily targets CD4 T lymphocytes, which play an important role in coordinating immune responses. The virus uses these cells to reproduce and can progressively reduce their number and function.
HIV is transmitted through certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, when they come into contact with susceptible tissues or the bloodstream. It is not spread through ordinary social contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food, or sitting near someone.
Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) can suppress HIV to very low levels, allowing the immune system to recover or remain functional and enabling people with HIV to live long, healthy lives. When treatment maintains an undetectable viral load, HIV is not sexually transmitted to others (U=U, undetectable = untransmittable).
QUICK FACT
HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV is the virus; AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
AIDS: HIV is the virus that causes the infection. AIDS is a syndrome that can develop when HIV has severely damaged immune function.
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