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What is HIV?

Treating HIV

Living with HIV

Other health problems

For caregivers

For ASOs

More info

What is HIV?

Question:
Where do you get most of your information on HIV?
 
My healthcare
provider
AIDS Service Organization (ASO)
Newspaper/
magazine articles
Web sites
Friends/family
   

 

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. Viruses cause other diseases, too. Did you know they cause the common cold? They also cause the flu, measles, and chickenpox. HIV attacks the body's immune system. This system protects the body from viruses and germs. When this system is badly hurt, you can get serious infections and illnesses. AIDS is the most serious stage of HIV infection. With AIDS, your body may not be able to fight infections or diseases like cancer.

People can be HIV-positive (HIV+) and not develop AIDS

Today, people with HIV are living longer, healthier lives. From 1990 to 2003, the number of AIDS deaths in the United States went down by 80%. What key steps people can take to live a long, positive life? Get tested. And once treatment starts, stay on treatment.

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