HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV damages the body’s immune system. This makes it difficult for the body to resist infection and some cancers.
Like other health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, HIV is a manageable chronic health condition. Today, with medical care and medication, people who have HIV can live long healthy lives like others without HIV.
Our Factsheet: HIV 101 outlines the basics about the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), how it is prevented, who’s at risk, the symptoms, and how HIV is treated today when someone is diagnosed with HIV.
