HIV weakens the immune system and can develop into AIDS within 10 years if left untreated. While some may be asymptomatic for over a decade, HIV can still be transmitted sexually or through blood exposure. The virus is believed to have originated from SIV in monkeys and the earliest known sample was found in 1959 in the Congo. HIV spreads through sexual contact, blood exposure, or mother-to-child transmission but not casual contact, mosquitoes, sports, or surface touching. Current drug treatments can prolong and improve life for those with HIV but a cure has yet to be discovered.

1. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Silvia juliana 8ºA

2. Introduction The disease caused by the HIV that is characterized by the weakening of the immune system, which leaves the body ill-equipped to fight disease. A person may live with HIV for up to 10 years before developing AIDS.

3. Symptoms AIDS begins with HIV infection. People infected with HIV may have no symptoms for 10 years or longer, but they can still transmit the infection to others during this symptom-free period.

4. Origin The best accepted theory about the origin of HIV is that it is a descendant of a closely related virus, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which infects monkeys.A plasma sample taken in 1959 from an adult male living in the Democratic Republic of Congo was found to contain HIV.

5. Infected? Infected by: sexual contact,through blood or from mother to child. Not infected by: casual contact, mosquitoes, participation in sports, or touching something the person had touched.

6. Treatment There is still no cure for AIDS. And while new drugs are helping some people who have HIV live longer, healthier lives, there are many problems associated with them.