HIV/AIDS
AIDS
is a very serious disease, it can affect anyone regardless
of age, gender, culture or sexual preference. AIDS stands
for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency
Virus).
HIV
The
HIV virus takes a long time to develop into AIDS. So, a person
might be infected for a prolonged period without being aware
that he or she is a carrier of the virus. During this incubation
period, the person might be placing others at risk of HIV
by having unprotected sex or coming into contact with any
bodily fluid. Since, it can take up to several years for an
HIV infected person to develop AIDS; many persons can become
infected from a single HIV carrier. Although people that tend
to have more sexual partners are at high-risk, just because
it increases the odds. Remember that it only takes one person
to infect you.
HIV
attacks the immune system. The immune system is how your body
defends itself against infections. The way in which HIV alters
the immune system is not know yet.
AIDS
AIDS
is the disease that a person infected with HIV develops when
their immune system is damaged. Opportunistic infections can
develop on AIDS affected individuals. An opportunistic infection
develops when germs affect health. Some opportunistic infections
can be simple everyday illnesses, such as the common cold.
Since the immune system is affected, the body cannot protect
itself from these simple everyday infections. AIDS infected
persons can die of simple infections, because of their weakened
immune system.
The
most common opportunistic infections include: PCP (Pneumocystis
carinii pneumonia), a lung infection; KS (Kaposi's sarcoma),
a skin cancer; CMV (Cytomegalovirus), an infection that usually
affects the eyes; and, Candida, a fungal infection that can
cause thrush (a white film in your mouth) or infections in
your throat or vagina.
The
AIDS syndrome also includes serious weight loss, brain tumors,
and other health problems.
AIDS
is different in every infected person. Some people die soon
after getting infected, while others live considerably normal
lives for many years, even after they develop AIDS.
Learn
the facts about HIV and AIDS and protect yourself.
Take
some time to check out this site on HIV and AIDS. It’s packed
full of information that can give you the background you need
to stay free of this and other STDs. When you’re finished
surfing the site, you can see how much you’ve learned by taking
our interactive quiz
.
Got
Questions? Get In the Know!
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