what is the full form of hiv

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. HIV infects and destroys cells of the immune system called CD4 cells, or helper T cells, causing the white blood cell count to drop. This leaves the person with an immune system that cant fight off infections, even those that wouldnt normally make them sick. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) . AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the bodys immune system is badly damaged because of the virus. In the absence of specific treatment, around half of people infected with HIV develop AIDS within ten years. HIV is a retrovirus that primarily infects components of the human immune system such as CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. There is currently no effective cure for HIV, but with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who take HIV medicine as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives and will not transmit HIV to their HIV-negative partners through sex.