United against misinformation

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Over time, HIV can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. HIV weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections, diseases and certain types of cancer.

There is no cure for HIV, but there are effective medications that can help people with HIV live long, healthy lives. These medications are called antiretroviral therapy (ART). With ART, people with HIV can control the amount of virus in their body (viral load) and prevent HIV from replicating.

HIV is spread through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. These fluids include:

• Blood

• Semen (including pre-seminal fluid)

• Vaginal and rectal fluids

• Breast milk

HIV can be spread in a variety of ways, including:

• Unprotected sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) with an infected person

• Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person

• From a mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

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