Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

What is AIDS?

AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is a chronic condition that is the last stage of the HIV infection (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). AIDS damages the immune system making it difficult for the body to fight infection and disease, as well as cancers related to the virus. AIDS is passed on through unprotected vaginal, oral, and anal sex.  It can also be contracted through the use of contaminated needles and blood.  Additionally, it can be passed on from a mother to her baby during pregnancy and childbirth.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome symptoms vary significantly depending on the phase of the infection but overall, the virus interferes with the body’s ability to fight off infection and disease. As time goes on, the immune system becomes severely damaged and those infected with the virus tend to develop infections and cancers that would not occur if hey had healthy immune systems.

Symptoms of AIDS include:

• Persistent white spots or unusual lesions on the tongue or in the mouth
• Persistent unexplained fatigue
• Chronic diarrhea
• Recurring fever
• Skin rashes and bumps
• Swollen lymph glands

Most people with HIV do not develop AIDS because they take antiretroviral medications on a daily basis to stop the progression of the disease. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), without antiretroviral therapy, people with AIDS typically survive only about three years. There is no cure for AIDS, but antiretroviral therapy significantly slows down the progression of the virus, helps to prevent secondary infection and complications, and prolongs the life of those with the virus.