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HIV/AIDS
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks the immune system’s ability to fight infections. HIV finds and destroys a type of white blood cell called T cells or CD4 cells that the immune system must have in order to fight viruses.
HIV, like all viruses, is a parasite; it needs a human cell in which to reproduce. After it enters the body it targets the immune system; the CD4 or helper T cells. Once HIV gets inside a CD4 cell, it basically hijacks it and transforms the cell from a disease fighter into a factory whose sole mission is to create as many new copies of HIV as possible. These copies then travel to other CD4 cells, infecting them and turn them into HIV factories as well. These factories can produce a billion or more copies of HIV per day. This explains why, without treatment, patients with HIV may gradually see their CD4 count fall.
HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids including: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. HIV can also be transmitted from mother to child during birth although the incidence of mother to child transmission can be greatly reduced with the introduction of anti-viral medications during pregnancy.
*Comprehensive Health Education Services, LLC does not prescribe medications, nor does it provide medical advice for any individuals seeking treatment options. Please consult your physician to determine the best options for your care. | 
HIV
