Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

HIV

HIV

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral infection that gradually destroys the immune system. Practicing effective safe sex methods significantly reduces the risk of disease transmission.

Update Date: 5/19/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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