Reviewed June 2024 Read More

WHAT IS HIV? HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life.… Read More

WHAT IS HIV TESTING? HIV testing tells people if they have Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).  Most of these tests look for antibodies to HIV.  Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight a specific germ. Newer HIV tests can also look for signs… Read More

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED ABOUT HIV? In 1981, several cases of rare pneumonia (pneumocystis pneumonia or PCP) and skin cancer (Kaposi sarcoma or KS) were reported among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Los Angeles and New York City. This was a mystery… Read More

WHAT DOES AIDS MEAN? AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: This condition is acquired, meaning that a person becomes infected. This condition affects a person's immune system, the part of the body that fights off germs such as bacteria and viruses. The immune system… Read More