What is HIV infection? HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, our body's natural defence against illness. ... Testing regularly for HIV means you can get antiretroviral treatment if you need it and stay healthy.AIDS describes a set of symptoms and illnesses that happen at the final stage of HIV infection. How many HIV are there? There are two main types of HIV – HIV-1 (the most common) and HIV-2 (relatively uncommon and less infectious). Like many viruses, HIV has the ability to mutate and change over time - within the main types of HIV there are many genetically distinct subgroups. What is the difference between hiv1 and hiv2? HIV-1 and HIV-2 are the two main types of HIV. HIV-1 is the most widespread type worldwide. HIV-2, a less prevalent and less pathogenic (disease-causing) type, is found principally in western Africa. Large genetic differences between HIV-1 and HIV-2 mean that tests keyed to one will not reliably detect the other. Is HIV easily transmitted? Contact between broken skin, wounds, or mucous membranes and HIV-infected blood or blood-contaminated body fluids. Deep, open-mouth kissing if both partners have sores or bleeding gums and blood from the HIV-positive partner gets into the bloodstream of the HIV-negative partner. HIV is not spread through saliva. How can HIV transmission be prevented? To help prevent the spread of HIV: 1) Use a new condom every time you have sex. Use a new condom every time you have anal or vaginal sex. ... 2)Consider the drug Truvada. ... 3)Tell your sexual partners if you have HIV. ... 4)Use a clean needle. ... 5)If you're pregnant, get medical care right away. ... 6)Consider male circumcision.