Final answer:
HIV refers to the virus that causes AIDS and weakens the immune system. It can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Step-by-step explanation:
The abbreviation HIV refers to the virus that causes AIDS. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a lentivirus, or a type of retrovirus, that attacks the immune system and weakens its ability to fight off infections and diseases.
Once a person is infected with HIV, they can develop Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) if the virus is left untreated. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection and can result in severe damage to the immune system, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers.
It is important to note that HIV cannot be cured, but it can be managed with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART involves taking a combination of medications that suppress the replication of the virus and help maintain a healthy immune system.
Learn more about HIV virus and its connection to AIDS