HIV

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the body's immune system in an infected person, weakening the body's ability to fight off certain infections and illnesses.

Someone who is "HIV-positive" does not necessarily have AIDS. HIV is said to have advanced to AIDS when an infected person develops an AIDS-defining illness (one or more of the conditions currently recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), or certain results on their blood tests, even if they have not yet developed symptoms.

As is the case with many other diseases, early detection by a health care provider is key to treating HIV infection.