HIV or the Human Immunodeficiency Virus was first recorded in 1981 when males of a homosexual orientation began to show symptoms of it.
They had symptoms such as pneumonia and a skin tumour known as Kaposi's sarcomas.
HIV is transmitted when an infected person spreads it through the traces of the virus that are found in his or her genital secretions.
It can also be passed through the blood when people share needles.
Although there is no known cure for HIV, there are treatment options to manage it.
Combination therapy has been used increasingly across the world.
This therapy uses three drugs or more, which are administered to the person to treat the disease.
This treatment works by reducing the rate at which drug resistance develops.
This gives your immune system the opportunity to start rebuilding.
Anti-HIV medications broadly classified as reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitors, protease inhibitors and fusion inhibitors are commonly used to treat HIV.
The virus also has a tendency to become resistant to the treatment.
This happens when the person does not follow the precautions during treatment.
There are many other drugs that the virus can be resistant to also.
Although there are no clear guidelines as to when the treatment for the virus should begin, there are a number of STD clinics which can offer information and advice on treatment options.
Few experts believe that those with stage III or stage IV conditions should be treated immediately.
Early diagnosis is key to using treatment options and leading a long, healthy life.
There are a number of HIV drugs in development also.