What is Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?
Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HIV infection causes suppression of the immune system (The immune system gives our bodies the ability to fight infections), which could lead to opportunistic infections and unusual types of cancer. AIDS may not develop for 8-10 years after the initial infection. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection.
How is HIV spread?
HIV is transmitted by having sex (anal, vaginal, or oral), blood (sharing needles and syringes), and blood products/body fluids (semen, saliva etc) of an HIV infected person. It is also transmitted from HIV infected mother to infant during her pregnancy or breast feeding.
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