Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV can severely weaken the body's ability to fight infection.

While there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, treatment includes drug therapies that may help to slow the progression of the disease. The type of drug treatment varies; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed federal guidelines for the treatment of U.S. adults, adolescents and children. Treatments are typically tailored to each patient, and may include anti-retroviral medications.AIDSinfo: Recommended HIV Treatment Regimens (71.04 KB)

Symptoms of HIV infection may include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph glands
• Rashes
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Shortness of breathMayoClinic.com: HIV/AIDS: Symptoms

Side effects from HAART can be severe, or even life-threatening. They may include:

• Liver damage
• Hyperglycemia
• Hyperlipidemia, which can cause heart disease and pancreatitis
• Lactic acidosis
• Lypodystrophy, or fat redistribution
• Osteonecrosis, or bone death
• Osteoporosis
• Skin rashesAIDSinfo: Side Effects of Anti-HIV Medications (220.41 KB)

1. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1,185,000 people in the U.S. have HIV or AIDSWebMD: Sexual Health: HIV and AIDS
2. Approximately 25% do not know they are infectedWebMD: Sexual Health: HIV and AIDS
3. Number of new cases in the U.S. annually: 42,000WebMD: Sexual Health: HIV and AIDS

The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a physician for information on HIV treatment.

| HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus | AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome | Viral Infections | AIDS Vaccine | STD - Sexually Transmitted Disease | AIDS in Africa