HIV Basics

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. There is currently no effective cure for HIV, but with proper medical care it can be controlled. Some groups of people in the United States are more likely to get HIV than others because of many factors, including their sex partners and risk behaviors. This webpage provides basic information about HIV, how it’s transmitted, how you can prevent it, and how to get tested for HIV.