HIV causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome. HIV destroys T-cells, weakening your immune system and making even small diseases difficult to treat. HIV can be symptomless.
What is HIV?
HIV kills immune system cells, making it challenging to fight other illnesses. HIV can significantly damage your immune system, causing AIDS.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is HIV's last and most deadly stage. AIDS patients have low white blood cell counts and damaged immune systems. Additional diseases may suggest AIDS.
What’s the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV impairs the immune system, unlike AIDS. HIV infection can damage your immune system and cause AIDS.
What does HIV do to a person?
HIV invades CD4 helper T cells. CD4 cell destruction lowers white blood cell count. You develop an immune system that can't fight even minor illnesses.
What’s a retrovirus?
Retroviruses work backward from human cells. Human DNA instructs RNA to produce proteins.
Who does HIV affect?
– People who identify as gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (MSM).– Certain races such as people who are Black or Hispanic.
How common is HIV?
New HIV infections are down. The US has 1.2 million HIV patients in 2019. Routine HIV testing is vital because 13% don't realize they have it.