Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a virus that attacks
the immune system. HIV infects and destroys certain white blood cells called
CD4+ cells. The last stage of HIV infection is AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome).
HIV is transmitted primarily through unprotected sexual
intercourse (including anal and oral sex), contaminated blood transfusion, hypodermic
needles and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.
Common methods of HIV/AIDS prevention include,
encouraging and practicing safe sex, avoiding any behavior that allows
HIV-infected fluids into your body, making you use sterile needles and not
sharing sharp objects.
There is no vaccine to prevent HIV infection and no
cure for AIDS. It is better to get
tested and know your status because the sooner a person is diagnosed, the better
the chances of staying healthy and living a normal lifespan
