Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a retrovirus that, once inside the human body, weakens a person’s immune system by replicating and destroying important cells that fight disease and infection.

HIV attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, often called T cells, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections and disease.

Subsequently, opportunistic infections or cancers take advantage of a very weak immune system.

No effective cure exists for HIV. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled.