What is it?
HIV is a virus. Viruses infect the cells that make up the human body and replicate (make new copies of themselves) within those cells. A virus can also damage human cells, which is one of the things that can make a person ill. HIV can be passed from one person to another.

What causes it?
Someone can become infected with HIV through contact with the bodily fluids of someone who already has HIV. HIV stands for the 'Human Immunodeficiency Virus'. Someone who is diagnosed as infected with HIV is said to be 'HIV+' or 'HIV positive'.

How does it affect my job?
There isn't any way to tell just by looking if someone has been infected by HIV. In fact a person infected with HIV may look and feel perfectly well for many years and may not know that they are infected. But as the person's immune system weakens they become increasingly vulnerable to illnesses, many of which they would previously have fought off easily. If individuals have been participating in risky behaviors they should be tested to learn if they are positive. If positive and on treatment, the health care provider would probably recommend healthy choices to live and to work such as proper diet, sleep and exercise.

Can it be prevented or treated?
Yes, there is treatment and individuals are living long productive years (>20) by staying on their medications and following their doctors' instructions.HIV can be prevented through abstinence, by use of condoms, by not sharing needlesof infected individuals.Know your status, get tested.