HIV finds the white blood cells, called CD4 cells. HIV gets inside the CD4 cell and makes copies of itself. Then, HIV kills the CD4 cell and the new HIV copies find other CD4 cells to get inside and start the cycle again. HIV kills immune system cells that help the body fight infections and diseases.

How do AIDS start?

To become infected with HIV , infected blood, semen or vaginal secretions must enter your body. This can happen in several ways: By having sex. You may become infected if you have vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected partner whose blood, semen or vaginal secretions enter your body.

What does AIDS do to a man?

cough and shortness of breath. recurring fever, chills, and night sweats. rashes, sores, or lesions in the mouth or nose, on the genitals, or under the skin. prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits, groin, or neck.