Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that infects host cells and uses their DNA to make its own viral DNA. It has a long incubation period between exposure and symptoms. HIV consists of RNA surrounded by a lipid envelope and infects immune cells like T-lymphocytes. It is transmitted through sexual contact, blood exposure, mother-to-child transmission, and sharing contaminated needles. While there is no cure for HIV, antiretroviral drug therapy can control the virus and prolong the lives of infected individuals.