HIV is a virus that attacks your body's immune system, which is made up of millions of cells that fight against infections and keep you healthy. Over time and without proper treatment, HIV can destroy your immune system and allow opportunistic infections to occur. The destruction of your immune system can progress to a disease called AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).¹

Although HIV/AIDS is a serious, life-threatening disease, much has been learned about how to care for and treat people living with the virus. In the last 10 years, advances in HIV management have enabled many HIV-positive people to successfully live longer, healthy lives.

Achieving success against HIV requires educating yourself about the disease and all the various healthcare options that are available to you. To learn more about living with HIV and the important issues surrounding an HIV diagnosis, please review the following topics:

Recently Diagnosed? Learning you are HIV-positive can be one of the most stressful and anxiety-filled times in your life, but it gives you the chance to fight the virus. Read More.

Working with Your Healthcare Provider One of the most valuable resources you can have in managing HIV is the relationship with your healthcare provider. Read More.

Women and HIV Today in the U.S. over 25% of new infections are in women, and 70% of new infections in women occur through heterosexual sex. Read More.

1. Adapted from HIV and Its Treatment: What You Should Know. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Fact Sheet. September 23, 2005.