HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (also known as T cells), which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the immune system is weakened, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections and illnesses. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), which is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
HIV is primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, sharing needles or other injection drug equipment with an infected person, or through mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. HIV cannot be spread through casual contact, such as hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food or drinks.
Symptoms of HIV can include fever, sore throat, rash, and swollen glands, which may appear within a few weeks to months after infection. However, many people with HIV may not experience any symptoms at all, especially during the early stages of infection.
If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, which is characterized by severe immune system damage and the development of opportunistic infections and cancers. Without treatment, people with AIDS typically survive for only a few years.
Fortunately, there are effective treatments available for HIV that can slow the progression of the virus and improve the health and lifespan of people with HIV. These treatments, known as antiretroviral therapy (ART), involve taking a combination of medications that target different stages of the HIV life cycle. When taken consistently and as prescribed, ART can suppress the virus to undetectable levels in the blood, which greatly reduces the risk of transmitting HIV to others.