A – ACQUIRED (not inherited-contracted by direct contact with body fluids that have high concentrations of HIV)
I – Immune (weakens the immune system)
D – Deficiency (of certain white blood cells (CD4-T) in the immune system)
S – Syndrome (a group of symptoms or illnesses as a result of HIV infection)
H – HUMAN
I – IMMUNODEFICIENCY
V – VIRUS
HIV is a virus and AIDS is a disease
AIDS is a deficiency in the body’s defense mechanism or immune system
AIDS is acquired not hereditary
HIV infection leads to AIDS, depending on the body’s defense mechanism
HIV virus replication leads to decrease CD-4 cells
A viral replication continues there is further impairment of the immune system reducing body’s capacity to fight infections
The individual becomes more susceptible to opportunistic infections
AIDS is characterized by the presence of opportunistic infections
Common methods of transmission are
Kissing
Hugging
Swimming in same pool/pond
Sharing cooking utensils, same toilet, clothing and bed linen
Cooking/Eating food cooled by a HIV patient
Having daily contact with a positive person
Insect Bites