ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -HIV damages the immune system. A weakened immune system makes it harder for the body to fight off OIs. HIV-related OIs include pneumonia, Salmonella infection, candidiasis, toxoplasmosis, and tuberculosis (TB). For people with HIV, the best protection against OIs is to take HIV medicines every day.

Detailed explanation-2: -HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system. (The immune system fights infections and diseases in a person’s body.) Over time, HIV weakens a person’s immune system so it has a very hard time fighting diseases. HIV causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

Detailed explanation-3: -Opportunistic infections (OIs) are illnesses that occur more frequently and are more severe in people with HIV. This is because they have damaged immune systems.

Detailed explanation-4: -HIV attacks a specific type of immune system cell in the body. It’s known as the CD4 helper cell or T cell. When HIV destroys this cell, it becomes harder for the body to fight off other infections. When HIV is left untreated, even a minor infection such as a cold can be much more severe.

Detailed explanation-5: -National HIV/AIDS Strategy Addresses HIV Risk Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men, in particular Black, Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native men. Black women. Transgender women. Youth aged 13–24 years.