About HIV
HIV is the virus that leads to a weakened immune system. Learn more about HIV, AIDS, and how they affect the body.
What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Although HIV has been around for many decades, it was only identified in the early 1980s.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It refers to a collection of illnesses caused by HIV, which weakens the immune system. You can only get an AIDS diagnosis if you are already HIV-positive. With modern treatment, very few people progress to AIDS.
AIDS or Late-Stage HIV?
In the 1980s and early 90s, many people with HIV eventually developed AIDS. However, thanks to modern antiretroviral treatment, the term AIDS is less commonly used by doctors today. Instead, they refer to late-stage or advanced HIV.
Untreated HIV and Transmission
If untreated, HIV progresses through several stages, from flu-like symptoms at the beginning to advanced HIV or AIDS. People with HIV who have a detectable viral load can transmit the virus through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, anal mucus, and breast milk. However, HIV cannot be passed on through casual contact like kissing, coughing, or sharing food. The virus cannot survive long outside the human body.