Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Overview – Personal use

Description

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and diseases. It is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is a serious, life-threatening condition that occurs when the immune system is severely compromised.

HIV is transmitted through certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, injection drug use, and mother-to-child transmission (during childbirth or breastfeeding).

HIV can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART), which is a combination of medications that can slow the progression of the disease and help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives. HIV can also be prevented through the use of condoms and other safer sex practices, and through pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is a daily pill that can reduce the risk of HIV transmission.