AIDS is either the shortform of the medical term 'Acquired immune deficiency syndrome' or of 'acquired immunodeficiency syndrome' (AIDS or Aids). AIDS is a collection of symptoms and infections resulting from the specific damage to the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV / HI-Virus). The late stage of the condition leaves individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and tumors. Although treatments for AIDS and HIV exist to decelerate the virus' progression, there is currently no known cure. HIV, et al., are transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and e.g. breast milk.

Forms of transmission

anal sex

vaginal sex

oral sex

blood transfusion

contaminated hypodermic needles

exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy

childbirth

breastfeeding

any other exposure to bodily fluids

Background-information on AIDS

Most researchers believe that HIV originated in sub-Saharan Africa during the twentieth century; it is now a pandemic, with an estimated 33.2 million people living with the disease worldwide. As of January 2006, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized on June 5, 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. In 2005 alone, AIDS claimed an estimated 2.4–3.3 million lives, of which more than 570,000 were children. Antiretroviral treatment reduces both the mortality and the morbidity of HIV infection.