HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). HIV infection eventually develops into AIDS, though it can be years before symptoms appear. HIV weakens the immune system, putting a person at greater risk for opportunistic infections which can become severe.
HIV is chiefly spread by sexual contact and blood-to-blood transmission such as sharing needles, syringes, rinse water, or other equipment used to prepare illicit drugs for injection.
Additional Resources- MSDH STD/HIV Prevention Program
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Mississippi AIDS Resources
- AIDS.org
For more information contact:
- Your local health office, or call our Health Info Hotline at 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948). HIV/AIDS testing is free and private.
- Mississippi AIDS Hotline: 1-800-826-2961
- The National STD and AIDS Hotlines, 1-800-227-8922 or 1-800-342-2437. (24 hours, 7 days)
- Spanish: 1-800-344-7432 from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Central time
- Hearing-impaired: 1-800-243-7889 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Central time
