HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. The immune system helps the body fight off infections.
HIV damages the immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight infections and other diseases. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
HIV can be passed from one person to another during sex. HIV can also be passed from a mother to her child during pregnancy or birth, or through blood transfusions or sharing of needles.
HIV is not spread by hugging, touching, coughing, or sneezing.
HIV is not curable, but it can be treated. There are medications that can reduce the shedding of viruses to zero.
There is no vaccine to prevent HIV.
However, there are ways to prevent HIV infection. These include using condoms during sex and not sharing needles. People with HIV should see a doctor and get treatment. Treatment helps people with HIV stay healthy and live longer.
If you think you may have HIV, please get tested. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV. For information on HIV testing, please visit HIV.gov/test or CDC.gov/hiv/testing.
