What does HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) do to a person?
HIV attacks a persons immune system. The immune system works by fighting off germs and diseases that make a person sick. When the immune system is being attacked by HIV, it does not work like it is supposed to, and these germs and other diseases spread inside the body. These diseases weaken the immune system even more, and result in the person getting sick more often than normal. Eventually (usually 7-10 years later), HIV destroys the immune system so badly that the person develops AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Although a person with AIDS can live for a long time, he/she will most likely die from some other disease that attacks the body, such as pneumonia, cancer, or other bacteria and viruses. Luckily, HIV can be prevented!
