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What is
AIDS? What causes AIDS?
AIDS stands for acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome. An HIV-infected person receives a
diagnosis of AIDS after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS
indicator illnesses. An HIV-positive person who has not had any
serious illnesses also can receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis
of certain blood tests (CD4+ counts).
A positive HIV test result
does not mean that a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is
made by a physician using certain clinical criteria (e.g., AIDS
indicator illnesses).
Infection with HIV can weaken
the immune system to the point that it has difficulty fighting
off certain infections. These types of infections are known as
"opportunistic" infections because they take the opportunity
a weakened immune system gives to cause illness.
Many of the infections that
cause problems or may be life-threatening for people with AIDS
are usually controlled by a healthy immune system. The immune
system of a person with AIDS is weakened to the point that medical
intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness.
Today there are medical
treatments that can slow down the rate at which HIV weakens the
immune system. There are other treatments that can prevent or
cure some of the illnesses associated with AIDS. As with other
diseases, early detection offers more options for treatment and
preventative care. |
