HIV Infection Specialist Doctor in Mumbai HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and impairs its function. The infected individuals gradually become immunodeficient. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe phase of HIV infection. These people have such a badly damaged immune systems that they get an increasing number of severe illnesses, called opportunistic infections. HIV can be transmitted via exchange of a variety of body fluids from infected people, such as blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal secretions. HIV can also be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy and delivery. The ordinary day-to-day contact such as kissing, hugging, shaking hands, or sharing food or water doesn’t cause transmission of this virus. However there are some high risk behaviours and conditions that put individuals at greater risk of contracting HIV like having unprotected anal or vaginal sex; having another sexually transmitted infection (STI), sharing contaminated needles, syringes and other injecting equipment and drug solutions when injecting drugs; receiving unsafe injections, blood transfusions and tissue transplantation, and medical procedures that involve unsterile cutting or piercing; and experiencing accidental needle stick injuries, including among health workers. At present there is no effective cure. Once anyone gets HIV, he or she has it for life. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get proper treatment from a specialist doctor,  can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners. Under the guidance of a specialist, HIV infection becomes a manageable chronic health condition, enabling people suffering from HIV to lead a life with absolute normal life expectancy. The infection is managed by a combination of three or more antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. Since 2016, WHO has recommended that all people living with HIV be provided with lifelong ARV. These medications should always be started under supervision and constant monitoring of a specialist doctor.