What is HIV/AIDS?

What is HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV for short) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS is a serious, life-threatening illness that has a variety of symptoms. HIV infection can be treated with medications to make patients feel better and to prolong life. However, there is no cure for HIV infection or AIDS. Approximately 33 million people are infected with HIV worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 1 million to 1.18 million persons are living with HIV/AIDS in the United States.