HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that is spherical in shape and has multiple receptors on its exterior. It is very virulent and has a mortality rate of two deaths per 100,000 population. HIV can be transmitted through any type sexual contact with an infected individual. It is also transmitted through contact of bodily fluids (blood, saliva, urine, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids). 

An infected individual may not even show signs of infection, but some may tend to experience flu-like symptoms in the early stage of HIV. The disease associated with HIV is 'AIDS' (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Once HIV has reached its final and most deadly stage, it is tagged as AIDS. The incubation period for early stage symptoms of HIV can be as soon as 2-4 weeks of infection. The average incubation period for the infection to progress to AIDS is 10 years, when no medical intervention is made.The typical length of infection is your entire lifetime, because it never stops reproduction, although there are moments where that reproduction is slower than normal.

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Sources

"The Science of HIV and AIDS - Overview," Avert.org. 7/27/17. https://www.avert.org/professionals/hiv-science/overview