Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus weakens a
person's ability to fight infections and cancer. People with HIV
are said to have AIDS when they develop certain infections or
cancers or when their CD4 (T-cell) count is less than 200. CD4
count is determined by a blood test in a doctor's office. Having
HIV does not always mean that you have AIDS. It can take many
years for people with the virus to develop AIDS. HIV and AIDS
cannot be cured. However with the medications available today,
it is possible to have a normal lifespan with little or minimal
interruption in quality of life. There are ways to help people
stay healthy and live longer. HIV attacks and destroys a type of
white blood cell called a CD4 cell, commonly called the T-cell.
This cell's main function is to fight disease. When a person's
CD4 cell count gets low, they are more susceptible to illnesses.
What Is AIDS? AIDS is the more advanced stage of HIV infection.
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