One of the most life-threatening and dangerous diseases in the history of mankind is the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, more commonly known as AIDS.

AIDS is a disease that targets the human immune system and is caused by the HIV or human immunodeficiency virus, a lentivirus (long incubation period) that primarily affects the vital cells that provide protection and immunity to the body. This condition gradually destroys the immune system of the body and leaves it susceptible to various unpleasant infections and tumours.

HIV can be transmitted from one person to another, and can enter the body through several possible ways. The most common cause would be unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sexual intercourse. People who already have another kind of sexually transmitted disease, such as syphilis, genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or bacterial vaginosis, have a higher possibility of being infected with the virus while engaging in a sexual act with infected partners.

HIV can also spread through the sharing of needles that are used to inject drugs or are used for tattooing by an infected individual. Women who are infected with the virus can transmit HIV to their babies during pregnancy or birth by the entrance of infected cells into the baby’s circulation. Accidental encounters with HIV-contaminated needles and fluids may also be a cause. It is very rare for HIV to spread through transfusion of contaminated blood. However, if a transplant of contaminated tissues or organs has been performed, the recipient may contract HIV.

Primary HIV infection can be detected through common symptoms, such as fever, muscle and joint pains, sore throat, and swollen glands in the neck. More serious symptoms of HIV infection and AIDS may take as long as 10 years to manifest. Prior to that time, a person may not experience any of the symptoms and the virus will only be detected through an HIV test.

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