| Risk Factors HIV is a virus that attacks white blood cells
called helper T cells (CD4). These cells are part of the immune
system. They fight off infections and disease. As a result, an
HIV infection can leave you vulnerable to severe illnesses. AIDS
is a late stage of HIV infection. It reflects severe damage to
the immune system. One or more opportunistic infections will
also likely exist. This is a type of infection that only occurs
in people with compromised immune systems. The HIV virus is
spread through contact with HIV-infected blood or other body
fluids. This includes semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk.
AIDS is caused by the destruction of T cells. The destruction is
caused by the HIV virus. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
HIV is spread through: - Sexual contact with an HIV-infected
person, especially intercourse or anal sex - Transfer of HIV
from a mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or
breastfeeding - A prick from an HIV-contaminated needle with
HIV-infected blood (rare today,