hiv (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system the body’s natural defense system. without a strong immune system the body has trouble fighting off disease. both the virus and the infection it causes are called hiv. white blood cells are an important part of the immune system. hiv invades and destroys certain white blood cells called cd4+ cells. if too many cd4+ cells are destroyed the body can no longer defend itself against infection. the last stage of hiv infection is aids (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). people with aids have a low number of cd4+ cells and get infections or cancers that rarely occur in healthy people. these can be deadly. but having hiv does not mean you have aids. even without treatment it takes a long time for hiv to progress to aids-usually 10 to 12 years. if hiv is diagnosed before it becomes aids medicines can slow or stop the damage to the immune system. with treatment many people with hiv are able to live long and active lives. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what is hiv? what is aids?