The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) damages the immune system, eventually leading infected individuals to develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition. People infected with HIV may develop mild infections or chronic symptoms like fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, and weight loss. If left untreated, HIV typically progresses to AIDS in about 10 years, at which point the immune system is weakened to the point of being unable to fight infections. Men who have sex with men of all races, African Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos are disproportionately affected by HIV.

Fortunately, people with HIV are living longer because of better treatments; with early diagnosis and treatment, people with HIV can expect to live a near normal life expectancy. Early treatment can also reduce transmission of HIV to uninfected individuals. While the total number of people living with HIV in the US is increasing, the number of annual new HIV infections has remained stable in recent years.