AIDS is an illness that weakens the body's immune system. When this happens, a person with AIDS is not able to fight off certain infections and cancers.
| The Immune System |
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AIDS is caused by HIV, which destroys important immune system cells. HIV is spread through contact with HIV-infected body fluids. These fluids include blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. The most common way it is spread is through unprotected sex (sex without a condom). Sharing drug needles is another common way the virus is spread.
What are the risk factors for AIDS?What are the symptoms of AIDS?How is AIDS diagnosed?What are the treatments for AIDS?Are there screening tests for AIDS?How can I reduce my risk of AIDS?What questions should I ask my doctor?Where can I get more information about AIDS?References
Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2021. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/STI-Guidelines-2021.pdf. Accessed March 8, 2022.
Clinical guidelines. HIV.gov website. Available at: https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines. Accessed March 8, 2022.
HIV basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html. Accessed March 8, 2022.
Overview of HIV infection. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/overview-of-hiv-infection. Accessed March 8, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
- Update Date: 03/08/2022