(HIV)

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which play a crucial role in the body's defense against infections and diseases. HIV gradually weakens the immune system by replicating within these cells and destroying them, leading to a progressive decline in the body's ability to fight off infections. If left untreated, HIV can advance to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a stage characterized by severe immune system damage and the onset of opportunistic infections or cancers. HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of contaminated needles among intravenous drug users, and from an infected mother to her child during childbirth or breastfeeding. While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage the virus, allowing individuals with HIV to lead relatively healthy lives and reducing the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Education, prevention strategies, and early detection are crucial components of efforts to control the spread of HIV and improve the quality of life for those affected.