HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system and prevents the body’s ability to fight infections and disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms may not be present for many years after infection. The most common symptoms include:

  • Tiredness
  • Muscle and/or joint pain
  • Frequent fever
  • Weight loss
  • Yeast infections

Treatments

There is no cure for HIV, but modern treatments can enable a long and healthy life. Antiretrovirals (ARV’s) are used to reduce the levels of HIV in the blood and allow the immune system to repair itself and prevent further damage.

HIV is a disease of the immune system. It is most commonly contracted through unprotected sex with an infected partner, or by sharing infected needles. HIV is an abbreviation for the human immunodeficiency virus. This virus eventually leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, commonly called AIDS. It can take years for a person infected with HIV to develop AIDS, the final stage of the infection.

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