What Is AIDS?

You may have heard that people use the terms "HIV" and "AIDS" interchangeably. Many people think that they are one and the same. Related, but not entirely accurate. HIV stands for "Human Immunodeficiency Virus". This is a virus that attacks the immune system. It damages white blood cells, reducing the body's ability to fight infection. This can lead to serious complications of various diseases. HIV has three stages. The first is acute HIV infection. This stage may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches. At this stage, the person may not have any symptoms at all. For this reason, about 13% of people living with HIV do not even know they are infected. The second stage is chronic HIV infection. It can last for years or even decades. People who survive this stage of infection may have no symptoms at all. However, they can still transmit HIV to others. With treatment, HIV may remain at this stage and never progress again. The third stage of HIV is called AIDS. It stands for "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome." When people get AIDS, they suffer from many serious illnesses. Their immune system is often unable to fight infections. If left untreated, AIDS is fatal. Cases of HIV and AIDS were first reported in 1981. At the time, people had little understanding of what HIV was and how it was transmitted. Treatment at the time was also not very effective. HIV soon became an epidemic affecting many people around the world. Unfortunately, people with HIV also faced a lot of stigmas early on. Many are still in operation today. People who do not understand how the infection spreads are often afraid to be around people with HIV. However, this infection is different from many other viral and bacterial diseases. It does not spread through air and surfaces. HIV is spread through contact with blood and other bodily fluids. That's why it's important that anyone who comes into contact with blood or other bodily fluids wears protective equipment such as gloves. However, HIV is not transmitted through sweat, saliva, or tears. You cannot get HIV just by being around an infected person. Anyone can get HIV. Today, 38 million people worldwide live with this infection. Historically, certain groups of people have been at higher risk of infection. The disease also more frequently affects black and Hispanic communities. The discrimination these groups already face often contributes to HIV stigma. In the early days of the pandemic, progress in understanding HIV was very slow. However, there are effective treatments available today. With the first two stages of treatment, HIV infection may never develop into AIDS. People whose disease has progressed to AIDS can now live longer and healthier lives with treatment. If you are concerned about your risk of getting HIV, talk to your doctor. They will be able to tell you about the best prevention methods. The spread of HIV and AIDS can be stopped if people work together.