HIV/AIDS: The Basics

HIV/AIDS: The Basics

HIV/AIDS: The Basics

What is HIV/AIDS?

e human

immunodeciency virus, or HIV, is the virus

that causes HIV infection. During HIV infection, the virus

attacks and destroys the infection-

---

ghting

CD4 cells

of the

body’s immune system. Loss of CD4 cells makes it di

---

cult

for the immune system to

---

ght infections.

Acquired

immuno

deciency

syndrome

, or

AIDS

, is the

most advanced stage of HIV infection.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted (spread) through the blood, semen, genital

uids, or breast milk of a person infected with HIV. Having

unprotected sex

or sharing drug injection equipment (such

as needles and syringes) with a person infected with HIV are

the most common ways HIV is transmitted.

You can’t get HIV by shaking hands, hugging, or closed-

mouth kissing with a person who is infected with HIV. And

you can’t get HIV from contact with objects such as toilet

seats, doorknobs, dishes, or drinking glasses used by a person

infected with HIV.

Even though it takes many years for symptoms of HIV to

develop, a person infected with HIV can spread the virus at

any stage of HIV infection. Detecting HIV early after

infection and starting treatment with anti-HIV medications

before symptoms of HIV develop can help people with HIV

live longer, healthier lives. Treatment can also reduce the risk

of

transmission of HIV

.