HIV is something people talk about in whispers until someone they love is diagnosed. When someone is infected, chaos can ensue.  HIV is a disease that few understand what it exactly is.

“Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS),” WebMD’s website said. “The virus weakens a person’s ability to fight infections and cancer.”

It’s important to note that while HIV and AIDS cannot be cured, people with confirmed HIV do not necessarily have AIDS. It can take individuals years with the virus to develop AIDS.

How does HIV cause illness?

“HIV attacks and destroys a type of white blood cell called a CD4 cell, commonly called the T-cell,” WebMD said. “This cell’s main function is to fight disease. When a person’s CD4 cell count gets low, they are more susceptible to illnesses.”

Men and women can both be infected and infect others when they have HIV. A person with HIV can feel healthy and still pass on the virus to others. Pregnant women with HIV can give the virus to their babies.

“A person gets HIV when an infected person’s body fluids enter his or her bloodstream,” WebMD said. “The virus can enter the blood through the linings in the mouth, anus, sex organs, or through broken skin.”

You cannot get HIV from touching or hugging an infected person, public bathrooms or swimming pools, sharing cups or eating utensils, or bug bites.

However, common ways people do get the virus include sharing needles, having unprotected sex, are born to a mother with the virus, or receiving a blood transfusion.

Blood transfusion infections are rare because all blood in the United States and Western Europe is tested for the virus.

When a person is first infected with HIV, they get flu-like symptoms that normally go away in a few weeks. An individual can go years without any signs or symptom of infection.

When symptoms do surface they include a fever that won’t go away, sweating while you sleep, fatigue no matter how much you rest, a constant feeling of ill, weight loss, swollen glands (neck, groin, or underarms), and oral thrush.

Today, a person with HIV is no longer a death sentence. Modern medicine has come up with a variety of treatments for the virus that, when used in combination can significantly slow down or stop the progression of an HIV infection.

There are several ways to prevent HIV infection. Always use latex condoms whenever you perform any type of sex act. Do not use condoms made from animal products. Use water-based lubricants as oil-based lubricants can weaken condoms. Never share needles to take drugs, and avoid getting drunk or high, as people under the influence may be less likely to protect themselves.