What is HIV and AIDS?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is a virus that takes over certain immune system cells to make many copies of itself. HIV causes slow but constant damage to the immune system. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the condition diagnosed when there are a group of related symptoms that are caused by severe HIV infection. AIDS makes the body vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses called opportunistic infections.
AIDS is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is passed by semen, vaginal fluid and the blood of HIV-infected people. As time passes, the HIV begins to destroy the cells that defend the body. Without the cells that are a part of the immune system, the body cannot defend itself from illness. AIDS occurs when the body’s immune system has been severely damaged. At this point, a person with AIDS can get many different kinds of life-threatening infections and cancers. Most people infected with HIV look and feel healthy for many years. When signs of HIV first appear, they may vary from person to person. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, swollen glands, weight loss, cough, fatigue and skin infections. Because of the delay of symptoms, many people may not even know they are infected. About 1.5 million people in the United States have HIV infection and can spread the disease to others. • How do people get HIV? HIV infection can be tra
