HIV weakens the immune system. That's the system that helps you fight off disease. HIV spreads through body fluids often passed during sex. It also can spread by being exposed to blood. It can also spread through infected needles. When HIV starts to cause severe health problems, it's called AIDS. There's no cure for HIV or AIDS. But medicines called "antiretrovirals" can help control it. These medicines are given for life. They let your body heal some of the damage and stay healthier longer. Many people with HIV are now living a normal lifespan. That can happen if the infection is found and treated early.

A few weeks after HIV is in the body, most people will have one or more symptoms, such as:

• A prolonged fever.
• Sore throat.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Headaches.
• Muscle and joint aches.
• Rash.
• Fatigue.

These symptoms may last for a few days to several weeks. They may seem like the flu. So, if you're at risk for HIV, get tested. Some people don't have any symptoms. Or their symptoms are mild. They may not recognize they are sick. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. You can get tested at most health clinics. You can learn more about testing by calling 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

Antiretroviral therapy is treatment with a number of HIV medicines taken at the same time. Usually that means taking 1 or 2 pills. These medicines work together to control the virus. They can restore your immune system. And they can prevent future harm to it. An HIV infection can't be cured. But these medicines can help many people live a normal and active life.

Antiretroviral therapy can also help stop the spread of the virus to others. It works best if the person living with HIV is taking the medicines routinely. It also works best if the person has an "undetectable" HIV viral load for at least 6 months. If you have HIV and it's been under control for less than 6 months or if you're not taking medicines as directed, you need to practice safer sex to protect others. This means using latex or polyurethane condoms during sex. You also need to tell any sex partners about your HIV. Let them know whether you are taking your medicines as directed. And let the know whether your virus is under control.

Over time, untreated HIV weakens the immune system. It also can weaken many other parts of the body. This makes it easier for you to get sick. You may have:

• Diarrhea and weight loss.
• Night sweats and fevers.
• Itchy rash.
• Skin sores.
• Memory problems or confusion.
• Swollen glands and white spots in the mouth (thrush).
• Pain and numbness in the toes and fingers.
• Health problems such as pneumonia, yeast infections, shingles, blood infections, meningitis, tuberculosis, cancers, and kidney failure. Some of these can be life-threatening. And they are classified as AIDS-defining illnesses.

Stop what can be the harmful effects of HIV. If you are at risk for HIV, get tested regularly. Screening is advised for all people ages 15 to 65. People younger and older than this who are at high risk should also be screened.

Have only one sex partner at a time. And have that partner commit to only having sex with you. This greatly cuts the risk of spreading HIV and other STIs. The best way to protect yourself and your partner is for both of you to get tested for HIV and other STIs before you start having sex.

Take steps to prevent getting or spreading HIV. Practice safe sex. If you or your partner are not HIV+, consider using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if needed. These are medicines that help stop the virus from infecting you. Talk with your health care provider to learn more about these medicines.

If you have HIV, get care right away. Always take your antiretroviral medicines. Use condoms. And if you're living with HIV, tell your partner. Make sure you are not putting that person at risk.