What is HIV and how do people get it?

The initials HIV stand for Human Immunodeficiency Virus -- meaning a virus that causes the immune system to become weak. Your immune system normally protects you from germs, such as bacteria and viruses. HIV is passed from person to person by exchanging body fluids. You can get HIV by having unprotected sex with someone who is infected or by sharing an infected needle. Or, an infected mother can pass HIV to her infant.

How do you fight HIV?

Once you know that you have HIV, it is very important to always work with your healthcare professionals. It's easier to stay on your therapy if you know how it works. How does the virus multiply? How do the drugs you take help fight the virus? Here are answers to these questions to help you better understand what is really going on with your virus and your drug therapy.