HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that infects and damages cells of the immune system. When the immune system is severely damaged by HIV, the final stage of HIV infection is called AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). AIDS leaves the body unable to fight life-threatening infections and diseases. There are various ways HIV can be transmitted, including through unprotected sexual intercourse, contact with infected blood, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. While there is currently no vaccine for HIV, prevention efforts focus on safer sex practices and access to clean needles to reduce transmission rates.