Summary:
- HIV is transmitted through direct contact of mucous membranes or body fluids such as blood, semen, or breast milk.
- HIV is able to evade the immune system and keep destroying T cells.
- Medicines can slow down the virus but not get rid of it, so there is no cure at present for HIV infections or AIDS.
- There is no vaccine to immunize people against HIV infection, but scientists are working to develop one.
- The number of people in different countries with HIV infections and AIDS is higher in the U.S. than in Africa.