AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of a lethal infectious disease, beginning with an infection caused by a virus and progressing to a serious and severe damage to the body’s immune system.
AIDS is the abbreviation for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The disease is caused by a virus known as the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV .
AIDS can be transmitted in several ways. The risk factors for HIV transmission vary according to the method of transmission.
AIDS is a disease that can damage any of the body’s major organ systems because HIV destroys immune system cells. HIV attacks the body through three disease processes: immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and nervous system dysfunction.
AIDS can be transmitted through semen or vaginal fluids during unprotected sex with an infected person and through direct contact with infected blood. Intravenous drug users who share hypodermic needles are at an especially high risk. The AIDS virus can also be passed from an infected mother to her unborn child. Since screening measures began in 1985, transmission of the disease through transfusions of donated blood or blood products is now rare.
