Medical disclaimer: HIVpages provides educational information only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always confirm treatment, pregnancy, prevention and clinical-trial decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.
What is HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It attacks parts of the immune system, especially CD4 cells, which help the body fight infections.
Without treatment, HIV can damage the immune system over time and may lead to AIDS. With modern treatment, many people with HIV live long, healthy lives.
HIV and AIDS are not the same thing
HIV is the virus. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, usually when the immune system has been severely weakened. Effective treatment can prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS.