What is another word for human immunodeficiency virus?
Pronunciation: [hjˈuːmən ɪmjˈuːnə͡ʊdfˌɪʃənsi vˈa͡ɪɹəs] (IPA) 
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the human immune system. The virus is often referred to by several synonyms such as the retrovirus, the virus that causes AIDS, the HIV virus, and the lentivirus. HIV is a blood-borne virus that spreads when an infected person engages in risky behaviors such as unprotected sexual activity with an infected person, sharing of needles or accidental exposure to infected blood. Since HIV is a delicate virus, it can be transmitted by transfusion of infected blood or from mother to child during childbirth. Despite the many scientific advancements in medical research, there is still no cure for HIV, but medication can prolong and improve the quality of life of those who are infected.
