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What is HIV?
Human: Infects men, women, and children regardless of race or age. HIV is the virus that gradually damages the body’s immune system and eventually causes AIDS. The human body is equipped with CD4 cells, also called helper T cells, which defend the body against viruses and bacteria. HIV damages the immune system by attacking and entering these cells. Once inside the cells, the viruses reproduce and then move on to attack other helper T cells and repeat the process. As more helper T cells are overtaken, the body becomes less and less able to fight off illnesses. A person can be infected with the virus for three to five years—and sometimes as many as 10 years—without knowing it or feeling sick. Despite the appearance of good health, the person is able to spread the virus and, without treatment, will ultimately develop AIDS. What Is AIDS? Acquired - A condition one is not born with. When one’s immune system is so damaged that it cannot fight “opportunistic” infections—infections healthy immune systems can fight off but weakened ones can’t—one is said to have AIDS. Because the body is not able to fight off these diseases, the person will eventually die. The most common opportunistic infections include tuberculosis, pneumonia, skin cancer, meningitis, thrush, herpes, and bacterial infections that cause fevers, digestive difficulties, and weight loss. AIDS manifests itself differently in every individual. Some people die very soon after becoming infected, while others may live for a decade or more without treatment. How Are HIV and AIDS Transmitted? Bodily Fluids: HIV is transmitted when a person has contact with certain bodily fluids of another person who is HIV-positive. (A person who carries HIV is classified as “HIV-positive.”) Bodily fluids that can contain and transmit HIV include: |
