What is AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)?
AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV disease. AIDS is caused by HIV. There is no cure for AIDS and it is most often fatal. However, some people have lived with AIDS for many years. New treatments and increased knowledge may help many more people live with AIDS even longer. What are the symptoms of HIV? Some people develop symptoms shortly after being infected. On average, it takes more than 10 years. There are several stages of HIV disease. The first symptom of HIV disease is often swollen lymph glands in the throat, armpit, or groin. Other early symptoms include slight fever, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and swollen glands. They may only last for a few weeks. Then there are usually no symptoms for many years. • Later symptoms of HIV disease: • A thick, whitish coating of the tongue or mouth (thrush) that is caused by a yeast infection and sometimes accompanied by a sore throat • Severe or recurring vaginal yeast infections • Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease or severe and fre
