HIV attacks and destroys CD4 cells, weakening the immune system and making one susceptible to infections and illnesses over time. If left untreated, HIV develops into AIDS, which is the final stage where the CD4 count is very low and one's ability to fight infection is lost. While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral therapy can control the virus and help those infected live longer if medications are taken as prescribed.

1. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) By: Chelsea Romero

2. HIV and AIDS Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The virus weakens a person's ability to fight infections and cancer. You can have HIV for many years without developing AIDS.

3. Continued……… HIV attacks and destroys a type of white blood cell called a CD4 cell. This cell's main function is to fight disease. When a person's CD4 cell count gets low, they are more susceptible to illnesses. HIV & AIDS CANNOT BE CURED!

4. WHAT is AIDS? AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. When the immune system CD4 cells drop to a very low level, a person's ability to fight infection is lost.

5. Transmitted A person gets HIV when an infected person's body fluids (blood, semen, fluids from the vagina or breast milk) enter his or her bloodstream. The virus can enter the blood through linings in the mouth, anus, or sex organs (the penis and vagina), or through broken skin. Both men and women can spread HIV. A person with HIV can feel okay and still give the virus to others. Pregnant women with HIV also can give the virus to their babies.

6. SYMPTOMS HIV infection has many stages before the last stage (AiDS). Chronic Stage consist of : Diarrhea or other bowel changes Fatigue Fever Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss Dry cough or shortness of breath Night sweats Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin Night sweats Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin Confusion, difficulty concentrating, or personality changes Repeated outbreaks of cold sores or genital herpes sores Tingling, numbness, and weakness in the limbs Mouth sores or a yeast infection of the mouth

7. Continued…….. AIDS occurs during the last stage of infection with HIV. After your immune system starts to weaken, you are more likely to develop certain infections or illnesses, called opportunistic infections. Examples include some types of pneumonia or cancer that are more common when you have a weakened immune system. You Cannot die from AIDS, but you can die from AIDS related illness such as cancer.

8. Treatments The most effective treatment for HIV is highly active antiretroviral therapy- a combination of several antiretroviral medicines that aims to control the amount of virus in your body. Other steps you can take include keeping your immune system strong, taking medicines as prescribed, and monitoring your CD4+ (white blood cells) counts to check the effect of the virus on your immune system is the best way to live longer with HIV.

9. Prevention Practice safe sex to prevent HIV Reduce your number of sex partners Talk with your sex partner or partners about their sexual history, as well as your own sexual history Do not share intravenous (IV) needles, syringes, cookers, cotton, cocaine spoons, or eyedroppers with others if you use drugs. Tell your sex partner or partners about your behavior and whether you are HIV-positive. Follow safe sex practices, such as using condoms. Do not donate blood, plasma, semen, body organs, or body tissues. Do not share personal items, such as toothbrushes, razors, or sex toys, that may be contaminated with blood, semen, or vaginal fluids.

10. What you need to know! 1,051,875 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with AIDS since the disease was first diagnosed in 1981. You cannot get HIV/AIDS from touching or hugging or Sharing cups, utensils, or telephones with someone who has HIV/AIDS.