Health Library

The Health Library is a collection of health and wellness resources created for learning and accessibility. Select a topic below for related health information or search for a topic in the search bar for more information on other medical conditions.

Spanish Translation

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Infection

Condition Basics

What is HIV? What is AIDS?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body's natural defense system. Without a strong immune system, the body has trouble fighting off disease. Both the virus and the infection it causes are called HIV.

White blood cells, Opens dialog are an important part of the immune system. HIV infects and destroys certain white blood cells called CD4+ cells. If too many CD4+ cells are destroyed, the body can no longer defend itself against infection.

HIV can be treated. Most of the time, treatment can prevent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Opens dialog and help people live long, healthy lives.

If HIV is not treated, it will usually get worse over time and cause AIDS. AIDS is the most severe stage of HIV infection. In people who don't get treatment, it often takes 10 to 12 years for AIDS to develop. People who have AIDS have a low number of CD4+ cells. They get infections or cancers that rarely occur in healthy people. These can be deadly.

There are two types of HIV:

  • HIV-1, which causes almost all the cases of AIDS worldwide.
  • HIV-2, which causes an AIDS-like illness. HIV-2 infection is rare in North America.

What causes HIV?

HIV infection is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. People can get HIV when they come in contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. This is usually through sexual contact or sharing needles. If you have HIV while you're pregnant, the virus can be passed to your baby during birth.

What are the symptoms?

HIV may not cause symptoms early on. If it does, symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, skin rash, and headache. These usually go away within 2 to 3 weeks. Symptoms may not come back for years. If HIV isn't treated, symptoms will appear, be more severe, and remain. These include extreme fatigue and weight loss.

How is it diagnosed?

Doctors use tests to find HIV antibodies or antigens in blood, urine, or saliva. If the test is positive, another test, such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, may be done to be sure. Sometimes a PCR test is done at the same time as the first test.

How is HIV treated?

HIV is treated with a mix of medicines called antiretroviral therapy (ART). Often the medicines are combined into a single pill. ART can reduce the amount of virus in your body. Taking the medicine can prevent AIDS and help you stay healthy.

How can you prevent it?

To help prevent HIV, use a condom every time you have sex. Take medicine to prevent HIV (PrEP) if you're at high risk. If you have a sex or injection partner who has HIV, encourage them to get treatment. If you inject drugs, don't share needles or other injection supplies.

Related Videos

Information about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Infection

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.