Immune System Disorders

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to AIDS. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency, or immune deficiency, syndrome) is an advanced stage of a viral infection that attacks the body’s disease-fighting immune system. HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) is the infectious agent that is the cause of AIDS. HIV/AIDS testing is available anonymously through […]

Here are definitions of medical terms related to AIDS. AIDS: Acquired immunodeficiency (or immune deficiency) syndrome, an advanced stage of a viral infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Antibodies: Proteins produced by the immune system to fight infectious agents, such as viruses Antigen: A substance that stimulates the production of antibodies Antiretroviral drugs: Chemicals that inhibit the

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on AIDS. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1-800-311-3435 http://www.cdc.gov/ U.S. National Library of Medicine Web site http://www.nlm.nih.gov/ Project Inform, a national, nonprofit, community-based organization that provides treatment information, advocacy and inspiration to people living with HIV/AIDS, their caregivers and their healthcare providershttp://www.projectinform.org

Most people newly infected with the HIV virus show few, if any, symptoms for a few years. But during this asymptomatic period, HIV is actively multiplying, infecting, and killing cells in the immune system, particularly CD4+ T cells. People are very infectious during this early phase. As the immune system weakens, symptoms begin to emerge. Early Symptoms

A blood test is used to confirm whether a person has been infected with HIV. Anyone who has engaged in risky behavior – such as sharing drug – injecting equipment or having unprotected sexual contact with an infected person or with someone whose HIV status is unknown – should consider being tested. A positive HIV

When AIDS first surfaced in the United States, no drugs were available to combat the underlying immune deficiency, and few treatments existed for the opportunistic infections that resulted. Over the past 10 years, however, therapies have been developed to fight both HIV infection and its associated infections and cancers. Although there is no treatment currently available that

Medical researchers are working to develop new drugs to keep HIV replication in check, as well as medications and methods to treat or prevent opportunistic infections and other HIV-related conditions. Some people with HIV and AIDS choose to participate in clinical trials of new medications. Clinical trials are research studies that help doctors find better

Since no vaccine for HIV is available, the only way to prevent infection by the virus is to avoid behaviors that place a person at risk for infection, such as sharing needles and having unprotected sex. Prevention is the key to personal protection against HIV and AIDS. Being aware of behaviors that increase the risk

Here are some frequently asked questions related to AIDS. Q: What if I’m attracted to someone I don’t really know? What should I do? A: Know the sexual history and health status of partners. Avoid anonymous sexual contact and learn about safe sex practices, such as the use of condoms. Q: Are my children going to