HIV - Wikipedia
HIV-1 is the virus that was initially discovered and termed both lymphadenopathy associated virus (LAV) and human T-lymphotropic virus 3 (HTLV-III). HIV-1 is more virulent and more infective than HIV-2, [20] and is the cause of the majority of HIV infections globally.

About HIV | HIV | CDC
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But proper medical care can control the virus.

HIV/AIDS - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
HIV makes the body less able to clear out infections and diseases. If HIV infection is not treated, over time it can cause an illness called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV spreads through contact with some body fluids.

HIV and AIDS - World Health Organization (WHO)
HIV remains a major global public health issue, having claimed an estimated 44.2 million lives to date. Transmission is ongoing in all countries globally. There were an estimated 41.0 million people living with HIV at the end of 2025, 64% of whom are in the WHO African Region.

HIV/AIDS - Wikipedia
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) [9][10][11] is a retrovirus [12] that attacks the immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to a spectrum of conditions including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). [13] It is a preventable disease. [5] It can be managed with treatment and become a manageable chronic health condition. [5] While there is no cure or vaccine for HIV ...

What Are HIV and AIDS? - HIV.gov
HIV is a virus that can make it harder for your body to fight other infections and diseases. If HIV is left untreated, it can lead to AIDS, a late stage of infection that happens when the immune system is badly damaged by the virus.

HIV | CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Find information about HIV for consumers, providers, and public health partners.

Symptoms of HIV - HIV.gov
HIV often causes flu-like symptoms in its earliest (acute) stage, but not everyone has the same signs or symptoms, and some people have no symptoms at all. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested and know your status so you can keep yourself and your partner (s) healthy.

HIV - Global - World Health Organization (WHO)
HIV is fully preventable. Effective antiretroviral treatment (ART) prevents HIV transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. Someone who is on antiretroviral therapy and virally suppressed will not pass HIV to their sexual partners. Condoms prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and prophylaxis use antiretroviral medicines to prevent HIV. Male ...

What Is HIV? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system — specifically, white blood cells called CD4-positive (CD4+) T-helper cells.