Pronunciation: [vˈɪ] (IPA) 
The word "VIH" is the French acronym for "virus de l'immunodéficience humaine," which translates to "human immunodeficiency virus" in English. The correct pronunciation of "VIH" is /vi.ɛʃ/. The letter "V" in French is pronounced like the English "v," "I" as "ee," and "H" as "ash." While the English acronym HIV is widely recognized and used, it is important to acknowledge and respect the use of the French term in the appropriate context.
VIH is the abbreviation for "Virus de la Inmunodeficiencia Humana" in Spanish, popularly known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in English. It is a retrovirus that primarily infects immune cells, specifically CD4+ T cells, which play a crucial role in the body's defense against diseases. HIV weakens the immune system by destroying these cells, leaving the body vulnerable to a variety of infections and diseases.
The virus is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, during childbirth or breastfeeding from an infected mother to her child, and rarely through blood transfusions. Upon entry into the body, HIV initially replicates within the lymph nodes, where it spreads and infects new immune cells. Over time, the virus damages the immune system, leading to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a late stage of HIV infection.
Being a chronic and lifelong infection, HIV does not have a cure yet. However, with the advancement of antiretroviral therapy (ART), individuals living with HIV can manage the virus and maintain a high quality of life. Early diagnosis and access to treatment greatly improve prognosis and reduce the transmission risk.
To combat the global HIV pandemic, various preventive measures including safe sex practices, regular HIV testing, harm reduction strategies, and programs promoting awareness and education have been implemented. Additionally, research and development continue in the pursuit of an HIV vaccine and cure.
