HIV causes havoc in a person’s body by weakening their immune system (1). If a person takes a blood test and receives a diagnosis of HIV, then they are HIV positive-if a person does not have HIV, then they are HIV negative. HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV/AIDS are widely known as incurable sexually transmitted diseases, but you might not know the difference between these acronyms and what they stand for.įor simplicity’s sake, HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. There is no cure for HIV, but medications are available which can keep the viral load low and even prevent HIV transmission, as well as others which can greatly reduce the risk of contracting HIV.Having unprotected anal sex, penis-vagina sex, and even oral sex (though rarely) can transmit HIV.Saliva, tears, sneezing, and physical contact cannot transmit HIV.HIV is transmitted through the exchange of certain types of bodily fluids including: blood, semen, breast milk, and vaginal fluids.
