Understanding the HIV Virus - An HIV Refresher

Getting Back to the Basics - HIV Virus Information

By understanding the HIV virus, the chance of living a healthier, longer life increases. In the beginning of the epidemic, an AIDS diagnosis signaled death would soon follow. But today, thanks to the development of HIV medications, people are no longer dying from AIDS they are living with the HIV virus. To live a productive, healthy life with HIV, one must learn as much as possible about the disease. Knowledge is power, and never has that been more true than when living with the HIV virus. Here are some common HIV related questions with easy to understand answers.

An HIV Time-line

What is HIV?

In 1985, scientists discovered a virus they called HIV. The experts concluded that it was the HIV virus that caused AIDS. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that is transmitted from person to person through the exchange of infected body fluids. Those bodily fluids include:

• blood
• semen
• vaginal secretions
• breast milk

Ways in which we come into contact with these fluids includes:

• sexual contact
• through transfusions of blood or blood products
• sharing needles to inject drugs
• during childbirth
• during breastfeeding.

What Increases Your Risk of HIV

Is HIV and AIDS the Same Thing?

HIV is the virus which damages the body's immune system. A damaged immune system leaves our body at risk for those illnesses and infections said to be AIDS defining. Acquiring one of these infections means a person is diagnosed with AIDS. A person can be infected for years without having AIDS. Having HIV infection does not mean you have AIDS. Simply put, HIV and AIDS are not the same thing.

Are HIV and AIDS the Same Thing?

A List of AIDS Defining Illnesses

What is the Connection Between HIV and AIDS?

How Does the HIV Virus Multiply?

Once inside the body the virus attacks specialized immune system cells known as CD4 cells. The HIV virus attaches to these cells and infects them by injecting HIV proteins (DNA and RNA) into the cell. The new HIV virus then infects other CD4 cells as the cycle repeats itself.

The HIV Life Cycle

What the HIV Life Cycle

How Does the HIV Virus Harm the Body?

As the HIV virus reproduces, the CD4 cells are damaged, becoming unable to fight infections. As this process continues, the body's immune system weakens and the infected person becomes susceptible to a score of different infections, all capable of making the person sick and in extreme cases can lead to death.

What Does HIV Do to the Body?

Understand Your Immune System

What Are CD4 Cells?

What Can Be Done to Stop the HIV Virus?

While there is no cure for HIV, medications are now available that diminish the virus's ability to reproduce. This in turn helps the immune system stay healthy and able to fight infection. Keep in mind that these medications can't rid the body entirely of HIV and people can still infect others while on medications.

HIV Medication Fact Sheets

Page 2 - How Do We Stay Healthy?