Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Definition
AIDS is a disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV causes a lowered immunity by destroying the body's cells that help fight infection.
Causes
People get AIDS through sexual activities, exposure to infected blood and by blood transfusions. A mother can pass the infection to a developing baby (fetus) in the womb (uterus).
Treatment
HIV is diagnosed by a blood test that is very confidential. There are many treatments for HIV being tested today. Some of the treatments include medication combinations that have been shown to extend the life of HIV infected pateints.
Comments
People with AIDS often have frequent infections that are hard to treat. While many people die of AIDS every year, many are also living longer due to better treatments.
Related Links
National Library of MedicineThe National Library of Medicine provides consumer inforamtion and pictures about HIV.