HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS. HIV is spread through sex, breast milk, shared needles, or from a mother with HIV to her baby in the womb.
HIV symptoms can be dormant (non-active) for years, though many experience flu-like symptoms shortly after becoming infected. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is caused by HIV and weakens the body’s ability to fight infections. Symptoms of HIV that has progressed to AIDS include persistent fever, rash, mouth sores, and fatigue.
HIV is a chronic disease. Though there is no cure for HIV, someone with this condition can live a long, healthy life if their HIV is managed properly.
There are also HIV prevention medications called HIV PrEP (HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) which can help prevent someone from getting HIV. In addition, if you have HIV, medications can help you get to an undetectable viral load, which means you can't pass on the virus to others.
BMC's HIV Clinic is the medical home for adults living with HIV, providing medical care, case management, pharmacy support, and more.