World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day

Today is 1st and its World AIDS day,and is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. I would like to post something about AIDS today . We all know that HIV/AIDS has been a global epidemic for more than 27 years. And is still growing! What does AIDS mean?..... This article I about to post here is something borrowed. I just want every body to be aware about AIDS since today is WORLD AIDS day.

WHAT DOES "AIDS" MEAN?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome:

* Acquired means you can get infected with it;
* Immune Deficiency means a weakness in the body's system that fights diseases.
* Syndrome means a group of health problems that make up a disease.

AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. If you get infected with HIV, your body will try to fight the infection. It will make "antibodies," special molecules to fight HIV.

A blood test for HIV looks for these antibodies. If you have them in your blood, it means that you have HIV infection. People who have the HIV antibodies are called "HIV-Positive." Fact Sheet 102 has more information on HIV testing.
Being HIV-positive, or having HIV disease, is not the same as having AIDS. Many people are HIV-positive but don't get sick for many years. As HIV disease continues, it slowly wears down the immune system. Viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that usually don't cause any problems can make you very sick if your immune system is damaged. These are called "opportunistic infections." See Fact Sheet 500 for an overview of opportunistic infections.


For more information about AIDS please visit the link above.