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HIV infection is a viral disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, which mostly infects CD4 immune cells that coordinate the body’s defences against diseases. Without adequate treatment, persistent damage to the immune system leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of HIV infection.

You can get HIV from contact with contaminated blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Transmission is usually through unprotected sex, contaminated needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breast-feeding. HIV is not spread through casual contact like hugging, sharing food or shaking hands.

Early HIV infection may include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, rash, exhaustion or no symptoms at all. Diagnosis is made with blood or other accepted tests that look for HIV antibodies, antigens or viral genetic material.
Currently, there is no cure; however, antiretroviral medication can successfully reduce HIV levels and preserve immunological function. People with HIV can live long and healthy lives with consistent treatment and significantly minimise the risk of passing the infection on to others. Prevention involves safer sex practices, regular testing, sterile needles, preventative drugs like PEP when appropriate, and medical care throughout pregnancy.