"HIV" stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Let's break it down: H - Human - This particular virus can only infect humans. I - Immunodeficiency - HIV weakens your immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection and a 'deficient' immune system can't protect you. V - Virus - A virus can only reproduce itself by taking over a cell in the body of its host.

On Monday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m., local families and healthcare advocates will honor World AIDS Day, a worldwide event, with Mayor Jon Mitchell on the steps of City Hall with awareness speeches and a candlelight march. Pat Hughs, co-founder of Team Michael, with his wife, Jackie, lost a son to AIDS. Pat, Maria Sylvia of Seven Hills and Nicole Valentin joined me on the Midday Magazine to chat about how New Bedford plans to participate in this global event.

HIV is like other viruses like the flu, but with this important difference - over time your immune system can clear out most viruses out of your body, but not with HIV. Once you have HIV, you have it for life. However, not everyone who has HIV progresses to AIDS. With proper daily treatment, HIV medicines can control the virus so you can live longer. Years ago, people with HIV would progress to AIDS in just a few years. Today, a person diagnosed with HIV and treated before the disease is far advanced can have a nearly normal life expectancy.

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