|  | Conditions Treatments | HIV AIDS

AIDS Reference Information

AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is the result of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS severely weakens a person's immune system and makes it difficult for the body to fight infections and various diseases.

  1. How It Spreads

    • The most common way to contract HIV in the U.S. is through sexual contact with an HIV-infected person. A transfusion of HIV-infected blood transfusion also spreads the virus, as does sharing a needle with an IV drug user who is HIV-positive. A woman can pass the virus to her fetus in the womb or to her baby through breastfeeding. HIV is not airborne.

    Statistics

    • In 2008, an estimated 37,151 people were diagnosed with AIDS in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of that number, 27,543 were adult and adolescent males, 9,567 were adult and adolescent females and 41 were children under the age of 13. Black males have the highest percentage of diagnosed cases in the U.S. It is estimated that AIDS has killed more than 25 million people around the world since the epidemic began.

    Treatment

    • A blood test is necessary to determine if you have developed the antibodies to fight HIV. Many treatments are available to delay the onset of AIDS, such as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Once HIV develops into AIDS, however, it is always fatal. At this time, there is no cure for AIDS or HIV infection.

HIV AIDS - Related Articles