Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, better known as AIDS, is a serious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS destroys a person's immune system, making him more susceptible to other infectious diseases and cancer.

AIDS was initially described in 1981, when an unusually high incidence of rare diseases and cancers was noticed among gay men in the United States. It was later determined that it was caused by an unknown virus that attacks the immune system.

AIDS is spread through contact with the blood, semen, vaginal fluid or breast milk of an infected person. This can happen through sharing needles to inject drugs, unprotected sex, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The virus is not transmitted through normal contact, such as shaking hands or sharing objects.

Symptoms may be mild or absent at the onset of the disease, but they can become more severe over time. This may include increased fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, muscle and joint pain, frequent infections, skin rashes and other symptoms. However, the symptoms of AIDS can be associated with other diseases, so special tests must be performed for an accurate diagnosis.

AIDS has no cure, but there are medications that can slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life of those infected. To prevent HIV transmission and protect yourself, avoid risky sexual practices, use condoms, avoid sharing needles and needles, and get regular medical checkups.

AIDS remains a major health threat worldwide, especially in developing countries where access to medicines and health care is limited. It is therefore important to continue efforts to prevent and treat the disease to reduce its spread and improve the quality of life of people living with AIDS.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

A chronic viral infection that develops as a result of infection with an immunodeficiency virus in the absence of an adequate immune response of the body. Accompanied by pronounced suppression of the immune system, leading to the appearance of infectious, tumor and other diseases. It is diagnosed by indirect signs - increased levels of antibodies against HIV and the presence of the virus itself using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. HIV was discovered in 1981 by a group of American researchers led by Luc Montagnier. Later, Wendell Stephenson discovered the presence of HIV DNA in