The Basics
What Is HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This is the virus that causes AIDS. There is no cure yet for HIV/AIDS, but there is treatment.
HIV is spread through some of the body's fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. HIV is passed from one person to another by:
- Having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) with a person who has HIV
- Sharing needles with someone who has HIV
- Breastfeeding, pregnancy, or birth if a mother has HIV
- Getting transfusions of blood that has HIV, which is rare in the United States
Learn more about HIV/AIDS:
