Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral infection that gradually destroys the immune system and leads to a group of symptoms known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV puts you at risk for other diseases that result from a weakened immune response.
Though HIV research and treatment have come a long way since the early 1980s, HIV and AIDS continues to be a global epidemic. About 40 million people worldwide are currently infected, and the risk factors have broadened beyond the populations with which it was originally associated. It's no longer only the disease of gay men and intravenous drug users. In fact, Europe and Central Asia currently have the highest infection rate in the world .
Still, unprotected hetero- or homosexual contact and needle-sharing remain the most common causes of HIV transmission. Since the virus can be spread through so many body fluids - including blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk - there are several behaviors that may put you at risk of becoming infected with HIV.
After a person becomes infected, the virus enters their bloodstream and turns cells into its own mini-virus factories, replicating itself and eventually destroying the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases.
Some of the symptoms of HIV that may appear as this happens include fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Full-blown AIDS symptoms can be similar. HIV becomes full-blown AIDS once the lymphocyte count falls below a certain level or when opportunistic infections develop.
Knowledge is definitely power in the fight against HIV/AIDS, so find out the truth behind HIV/AIDS myths.