AIDS

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. ‘Acquired’ because it is a disease that you catch from another person, ie. it is infectious, ‘Immune Deficiency’ because the disease stops the body's immune system from fighting off infectious diseases and ‘Syndrome’ because it is a disease that has a wide range of symptoms.

The AIDS virus is carried in the blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk of infected people. It attacks the body leaving it unable to fight infections and cancers, which may kill a person. The virus can be transmitted:

• Through sexual activities such as vaginal and anal intercourse and oral sex, however this risk is reduced if a condom is used.
• By sharing needles and syringes during intravenous drug use.
• Through an infected mother who can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy and through breastfeeding.
• It is not possible to catch the AIDS virus from kissing, touching, coughs/sneezes, saliva, toilet seats, swimming pools, food or water.