Quick Answer

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a retrovirus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically CD4 cells. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), but modern antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and not transmit the virus to partners (U=U).

  • HIV is a retrovirus that inserts its genetic material into human DNA.
  • HIV attacks and destroys CD4 cells, which are crucial for immune function.
  • AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged.
  • With effective treatment, an undetectable viral load means HIV cannot be transmitted sexually.
  • HIV non‑reactive means the test did not detect antibodies or antigens to the virus.
  • There is no cure for HIV, but treatment controls the virus long‑term.

Context Most Pages Skip

Understanding HIV begins with knowing it is a virus that targets the immune system, not a single disease or a death sentence. HIV belongs to a class called retroviruses, which means it uses an enzyme to copy its RNA into the host cell's DNA, making the infection permanent without treatment. The key to managing HIV today is antiretroviral therapy, which stops the virus from multiplying and allows the immune system to recover. When treatment works well, the viral load becomes undetectable, and the person cannot pass HIV to sexual partners - a concept known as U=U. This guide explains the basics of HIV, how it differs from AIDS, and what terms like non‑reactive mean.

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⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.

Sources & Further Reading

Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.