Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV/AIDS weakens your ability to fight infections. It is contracted through unprotected sex or needle-sharing with an infected person.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV/AIDS weakens your ability to fight infections. It is contracted through unprotected sex or needle-sharing with an infected person.
Within a few weeks after infection, HIV can cause short-lived flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, and fatigue. After these initial symptoms, HIV typically does not cause any specific symptoms until the disease progresses to AIDS. Symptoms of AIDS include weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, frequent infections such as sores, persistent diarrhea, or pneumonia.
There is currently no cure for HIV/AIDS, although medications known as anti-retroviral regimens (ARVs) can dramatically slow the progression of symptoms.