HIV is a virus that can be transmitted through sexual contact and can also be spread by contact with infected blood or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breast-feeding. Without medication, HIV gradually weakens the immune system to the point that an infected individual may develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

AIDS is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition caused by HIV infection. By damaging the immune system, HIV interferes with the body’s ability to fight the organisms that cause disease.