AIDS/HIV - Infographic

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a chronic, life-threatening disease that is caused by the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) virus. HIV attacks the immune system; specifically, the CD 4 cells often called T- cells.

HIV decreases the count of CD4 cells (T cells ) in the body. This damages the immune system and makes harder for the body to fight the infection.

HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. HIV spreads through direct contact with certain body fluids like blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, breast milk, from person who has HIV.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is the screening test used to detect HIV infections. HIV antibodies are detected by Western blot test.

Anti-retroviral therapy is the combination of several anti-retroviral medicines, and these drugs can slow down the growth of the virus and stop it from making copies of the virus.

There is no cure for HIV, but anti-retroviral drugs can strengthen the immune system. By reducing the amount of HIV in the body, HIV medicines also decrease the risk of transmission.