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A.I.D.S. stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

An AIDS positive person receives an AIDS diagnosis after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses. An HIV-positive person can also receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis of certain blood tests (CD4 counts) and may not have experienced any serious illnesses. A positive HIV test does not mean that a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician according to the CDC AIDS Case Definition.

Over time, infection with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections. Many of the infections that cause problems or that can be life-threatening for people with AIDS are usually controlled by a healthy immune system. The immune system of a person with AIDS has weakened to the point that medical intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness.

A.I.D.S. stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

An AIDS positive person receives an AIDS diagnosis after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses. An HIV-positive person can also receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis of certain blood tests (CD4 counts) and may not have experienced any serious illnesses. A positive HIV test does not mean that a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician according to the CDC AIDS Case Definition.

Over time, infection with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections. Many of the infections that cause problems or that can be life-threatening for people with AIDS are usually controlled by a healthy immune system. The immune system of a person with AIDS has weakened to the point that medical intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness.

HIV
AIDS
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus):
  • HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and diseases.
  • It can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth or breastfeeding, and rarely through blood transfusions or organ transplants.
  • HIV infection does not necessarily mean a person has AIDS. It can take years for HIV to progress to AIDS if left untreated.
  • Early symptoms of HIV infection may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. Some individuals may remain asymptomatic for years.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

  • AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection.
  • It is diagnosed when the immune system becomes severely damaged, resulting in the inability to fight off infections and diseases effectively.
  • AIDS is characterized by a CD4 cell count below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood, or by the presence of specific opportunistic infections or cancers.
  • Opportunistic infections are infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system and are usually rare or less severe in individuals with a healthy immune system.
  • Symptoms of AIDS may include prolonged fever, extreme fatigue, rapid weight loss, recurring infections, chronic diarrhea, and certain cancers.

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