HIV & AIDS

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