AIDS General Information

AIDS is an acronym for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS develops after contracting the Human Immunodeficiency virus or HIV for short. AIDS is commonly defined as being the conditions and infections that occur as a result of the damaged low immune system in the body caused by the HIV. This virus constantly attacks the immune system throughout the person’s life making these illnesses and infections increase in intensity and severity over time.

AIDS is now classified as a Pandemic which means it is an infection that is spread worldwide. There is no cure or vaccination for HIV or AIDS however there is a course of antiretroviral drugs that can help slow down the effect of the HIV on the immune system. With a course of this treatment an individual can expect to have their life extended up to 20 years. AIDS itself is not transmitted; it is the virus that can be transferred through bodily fluids. Typically many people are under the impression that the transfer of HIV can be through a variety of means including touch. This is not a true assumption; HIV can only be transmitted through anal, vaginal or oral sex, blood, contaminated needles and breast milk. It cannot be transferred by touch, breath, tears or saliva.

If you are pregnant and contract or have HIV it then it is recommended you do not breast feed you child unless a safe and viable alternative is not available. In which case you should breast feed in the early months and then discontinue as soon as possible.