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National HIV/AIDS Program |  | What is HIV? | HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus: H - Human. This virus infects human beings. I - Immunodeficiency. This virus attacks a person's immune system. The immune system is the body's defense against infections, such as bacteria and viruses. Once attacked by HIV, the immune system becomes deficient and doesn't work properly. V - Virus. A virus is a type of germ too small to be seen even with a microscope.
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HIV is a virus. Some viruses, like the ones that cause colds or flu, stay in the body for only a few days. HIV, however, never goes away. A person who is infected with HIV is said to be "HIV positive." Once a person is HIV positive, that person will always be HIV positive. |
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| Reviewed/Updated Date: March 26, 2008 |
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