AIDS

 HIV is a virus that spreads through certain body fluids, targeting the immune system of the body, specifically the CD4 cells, also called T cells. HIV will kill so many of those cells over time that the body can not fend off infections and disease. Such special cells are helping the immune system fight infections. Untreated, the amount of CD4 (T cells ) in the body is decreased by HIV. Such disruption to the immune system makes it more difficult for the body to fend off pathogens and other diseases. Opportunistic diseases or cancers benefit from a very low immune system and show that the person has AIDS. Learn more about HIV and how to know if you are HIV-positive.