How does someone get HIV? What's the difference between HIV and AIDS? Get the facts.
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HIV/AIDS
Also called: human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
AIDS is a chronic immune system disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Spreads by sexual contact
- Treatment can help, but this condition can't be cured
- Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging always required
HIV damages the immune system and interferes with the body's ability to fight infection and disease. HIV can be spread through contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. There's no cure for HIV/AIDS, but medications can control the infection and prevent disease progression.
Rare: Fewer than 200,000 US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency ...
Feb 9, 2024 · Primary infection, also called acute HIV. Some people infected by HIV get a flu-like illness within 2 to 4 weeks after the virus enters the body ...
Jul 13, 2023 · HIV can be transmitted via the exchange of a variety of body fluids from people living with HIV, such as blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal ...
Jan 13, 2023 · AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body's immune system is badly damaged because of the virus. In the U.S., most ...
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells.
Mar 5, 2024 · AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is the final stage of infection with HIV. It happens when the body's immune system is ...
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person's immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection.
HIV is spread primarily by unprotected sex (including anal and vaginal sex), contaminated hypodermic needles or blood transfusions, and from mother to child ...
