AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV attacks and damages the immune system, leaving individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, characterized by a low CD4 count (a type of immune cell), as well as the presence of at least one opportunistic infection or cancer.
AIDS is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or other injection equipment, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. It is important to note that HIV can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants from infected donors, although such transmission is rare in the United States and other developed countries where screening measures are in place.
There is no cure for AIDS, but there are effective treatments that can help manage the infection and slow the progression of the disease. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV/AIDS and involves taking a combination of medications that work to suppress the virus and restore immune function. ART can help individuals living with HIV lead longer, healthier lives, and also significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
In the health care industry, AIDS is an important focus for research, prevention, and treatment efforts. In addition to developing new antiretroviral medications and other therapies, public health organizations and health care providers work to promote HIV testing and counseling, safe sex practices, and harm reduction strategies to reduce the risk of transmission. Health care professionals also play a critical role in caring for patients with AIDS, providing comprehensive treatment and support to manage the physical, emotional, and social challenges associated with the disease.
AIDS
Health Care Term
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV attacks and damages the immune system, leaving individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, characterized by a low CD4 count (a type of immune cell), as well as the presence of at least one opportunistic infection or cancer.
AIDS is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or other injection equipment, and mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. It is important to note that HIV can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and organ transplants from infected donors, although such transmission is rare in the United States and other developed countries where screening measures are in place.
There is no cure for AIDS, but there are effective treatments that can help manage the infection and slow the progression of the disease. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the standard treatment for HIV/AIDS and involves taking a combination of medications that work to suppress the virus and restore immune function. ART can help individuals living with HIV lead longer, healthier lives, and also significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others.
In the health care industry, AIDS is an important focus for research, prevention, and treatment efforts. In addition to developing new antiretroviral medications and other therapies, public health organizations and health care providers work to promote HIV testing and counseling, safe sex practices, and harm reduction strategies to reduce the risk of transmission. Health care professionals also play a critical role in caring for patients with AIDS, providing comprehensive treatment and support to manage the physical, emotional, and social challenges associated with the disease.