HIV
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus , known as HIV , is a virus that attacks the immune system , leaving HIV positive people vulnerable to infections and cancers . When someone acquires HIV , they are said to be “ HIV positive ”. This , however , does not necessarily mean that they have AIDS . A person who is HIV positive may be healthy and able to live an otherwise healthy , fulfilling and enjoyable life . People who are HIV positive may not even know they are HIV positive without having a blood test . While the virus cannot currently be cured , Anti Retroviral Therapy ( ART ) is used to treat the infection . ART consists of the use of at least three antiretroviral ( ARV ) drugs to maximally suppress the HIV virus and stop the progression of HIV diseases . The use of ART , plus good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle , can help those living with HIV remain well and productive for many , many years .
AIDS
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome , which has historically been the medical term for the final stage of HIV , when the body no longer can fight off infections , cancers , and HIV-related illnesses . The virus weakens the immune system , allowing for opportunistic infections . Treatment may become increasingly ineffective and the person may die . An HIV-positive person can acquire AIDS at different stages in one ’ s life , depending on access to health care services , including ART , response to treatment , and other health factors .
HIV is transmitted through the exchange of blood , semen ( including precum ), vaginal fluid , or breast milk of someone who is infected with HIV to someone who is not infected with HIV . It is transmitted through the following activities :
o Unprotected sex ( primarily vaginal sex and anal sex ; oral sex is very low risk ) o Sharing injection equipment , mainly needles and syringes o Mother-to-child transmission during the birth process , delivery and / or breastfeeding o Any blood-to blood exposure ( e . g ., blood-play , cutting , exposed wounds , etc .)
While the majority of people living with HIV acquired it during sexual intercourse , the main modes of transmission depend on the region of