Nothing _causes_ HIV. HIV is the abbreviated form of Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus which infects a particular type of immune cell called the CD4 lymphocyte. This virus is spread through exchange of body fluids like semen, vaginal fluids, and blood from an infected person to another person. These infected body fluids need to come in contact with mucous membranes or injured skin for possible infection to occur. No other body fluids including sweat, tears, saliva etc can spread HIV infection unless they are contaminated with blood or genital fluids.
HIV infection by itself causes no symptoms. Symptoms are seen later due to super infection by other organisms causing symptoms of the disease that they produce. HIV infection is confirmed by a blood test that looks for antibodies produced by the body against the virus. HIV infection cannot be cured. However, multiplication of the virus can be controlled by giving medication (ART). This keeps the viral load at very low to undetectable levels and can help the individual lead a healthy and active life. ART also reduces the transmission of the virus to negligible levels.
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