What are the causes of AIDS and HIV?

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is a retrovirus that attacks the body's immune system, which is responsible for fighting off infections.

There are two main ways that people can get HIV:

1. Through contact with infected blood: This can happen if a person comes into contact with infected blood, such as through sharing needles or syringes with an infected person or receiving a blood transfusion from an infected person.

2. Through sexual contact: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person. The risk of transmission is higher if the infected person has a high viral load (the amount of virus in their blood).

HIV can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding.

There is no cure for HIV, but there are treatments that can help to control the virus and prevent it from progressing to AIDS. These treatments are called antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART can help people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.

It's important to know your HIV status so that you can take steps to protect yourself and others from the virus. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, talk to your doctor or health care provider. There are tests that can tell if you have HIV.