HIV infection is a viral infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that gradually disables the body's immune system, leading to infections that are difficult for the body to heal. People who become infected with HIV may not display any symptoms for up to 10 years, but they can still transmit the infection to others. Meanwhile, their immune system gradually weakens until they are diagnosed with AIDS.
HIV is a chronic medical condition that can be treated, but no cure has yet been developed. There are effective means of preventing complications and delaying, but not preventing, progression to AIDS. Not all persons infected with HIV have progressed to AIDS, but studies have shown that most do.
