En Español
HIV (human immunodeficiency
virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus may be passed from one person
to
another when infected blood, semen, or vaginal
secretions come in contact with an uninfected person’s broken skin or
mucous membranes*. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their
baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding. People
with HIV have what is called HIV infection. Some of these people will develop
AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.
For more information see “What
is AIDS?”
* A mucous membrane is
wet, thin tissue found in certain openings to the human body. These can include
the mouth, eyes, nose, vagina, rectum,
and
opening of
the penis. |