The BasicsWhat Is HIV?

If you're just beginning to learn about HIV and AIDS, this is a good place to start.

HIV vs. AIDS

HIV is a virus. It may cause AIDS after you’ve been infected for several years and it’s weakened your immune system.

Types and Strains of HIV

There are two main types of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -- HIV-1 and HIV-2. Both can lead to AIDS.

The Stages of HIV

Untreated HIV generally progresses through different stages and, eventually, to AIDS.

Conditions That Look Like HIV but Are Not

It’s important to know that having a couple of symptoms that look like HIV doesn’t guarantee you have it.

HIV and Life Expectancy

If you’ve been diagnosed with HIV, you’re bound to wonder how it will affect your future, and how long the future might be.

HIV: Latest Research

HIV research has made remarkable progress since scientists first identified the disease in the 1980s.

History & FactsHIV and AIDS: What Story Do the Numbers Tell?

With each passing year, the numbers paint a more positive picture about HIV, the infection that can lead to AIDS.

Common Myths About HIV and AIDS

Mistaken ideas about HIV and AIDS have sometimes brought on the behaviors that cause people to get the virus.

How Long Can HIV Live Outside the Body?

Studies show that HIV grown in the lab, when placed on a surface, loses most of its ability to infect within many hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About HIV and AIDS

Do you know someone who has HIV or AIDS? Here are some quick facts about the disease.

What Is an Example of a Retrovirus?

Three retroviruses can cause illness in humans, and each one has different symptoms.

The History of HIV Treatment: Antiretroviral Therapy and More

In 1983, scientists discovered the virus that causes AIDS. The race was on for a treatment to stop this deadly disease.