H - Human. This virus infects human beings.
I - Immunodeficiency. This virus attacks a person’s immune system. The immune system is the body’s defense against infections, such as bacteria and viruses. Once attacked by HIV, the immune system becomes deficient and doesn’t work properly.
V - Virus. A virus is a type of germ too small to be seen even with a microscope.
HIV is a virus. Some viruses, such as the ones that cause colds or flu, stay in the body for only a few days. HIV, however, never goes away. A person who is infected with HIV is said to be “HIV positive.” Once a person is HIV positive, that person will always be HIV positive.