HIV/AIDS

What Is It?

HIV, abbreviated for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is a virus that affects the cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells or T-Cells, that allow the body to fight off various infections. AIDS, shorthanded for Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, can be thought of as the last and most severe stage of HIV. A normal functioning immune system contains approximately 600 - 1200 of these CD4 cells. After HIV has destroyed a large amount of these cells, and the CD4 cell count has reached 200 or below 200, a person is diagnosed with AIDS.

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The Prime Player: CD4 Cells

In an overly simplified description, CD4 cells can be referred to as the "generals" of the human body. These lymphocytes, also known as white blood cells, send signals to the body's immune system and activate it, allowing it to fight off various viruses and bacteria.

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CD4 cells, commonly referred to as 'T-Cells' are created within the body's bone marrow, but eventually mature and reside in the spleen, lymph nodes, and thymus glands.

How Does HIV Work?

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