HIV and AIDS Introduction   The primary cause of AIDS is infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People infected with HIV range from those that may have a positive test for HIV but exhibit no symptoms for many years (asymptomatic), to individuals who have a late stage HIV infection.  Those in the later stages of infection have progressive HIV coupled with an AIDS-defining illness, such as, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia or Kaposi's sarcoma. Click to Enlarge HIV is a viral infection that infects CD4 lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell responsible for coordinating the functions of the immune system to fight infection. HIV reproduces rapidly in the infected cells and destroys them.  If the HIV infection is left untreated, the number of CD4 lymphocytes begins to fall, causing eventual destruction of the immune system. Diagnosis of AIDS can be made with a positive HIV test and a CD4 count of less than 200 cells per microliter of blood (individual cases may vary).  HIV is not contagious and cannot be transmitted by ordinary human contact.  HIV is carried in body fluids including; blood, semen, vaginal secretions, salvia and breast milk.  It is most commonly transmitted by sexual interaction, sharing or reusing needles contaminated with the virus, infected mother to fetus, and from organ transplants or blood transfusions.  Organs, tissues, and blood donors are now routinely screened for HIV.     HIV Statistics and AIDS Statistics   According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): During 2002, the cumulative number of AIDS cases reported to CDC is 886,000.   During 2002, an estimated 38 million people are believed to be infected with HIV world-wide.   During 2003, an estimated 5 million people acquired AIDS, the greatest number in any one year since the beginning of the epidemic.   During 2003, total deaths of individuals reported with AIDS are almost three million. Over 20 million have died since the first cases of AIDS were identified in 1981.   Symptoms of HIV and AIDS   The onset of AIDS following HIV infection varies anywhere between 1 and more than 14 years. Acute HIV symptoms commonly appear within 6 weeks of infection. Persons may first experience flu-like symptoms and other signs of infection, including: Swollen lymph glands Fever Fatigue Night sweats Rash on the trunk Diarrhea Joint and muscle pain Sore throat Symptoms may last from several days up to two weeks.  After this active phase, an HIV-infected individual may remain free of symptoms for years. However, the virus may continue to reproduce and further depress the immune system.  This may lead to the onset of AIDS.  AIDS-defining illnesses can  develop.  These illnesses can include such opportunistic infections as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia,  cancers (Kaposi's sarcoma), and certain neurological changes, including dementia and loss of nerve function..     Learn More About HIV/AIDS   HIV/AIDS Introduction HIV/AIDS Treatment Products helpful for HIV/AIDS   Learn More

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