AIDS

In the last two weeks we have been speaking about ilnesses and other dangerous infections that nowadays are really common in our society. Today I will speak you a little bit about AIDS, one of the most dangerous and common ilness in teenagers.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a spectrum of conditions caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

HIV is transmitted primarily via unprotected sexual intercourse.  Following initial infection, a person may experience a brief period of influenza-like illness. This is typically followed by a prolonged period without symptoms. As the infection progresses, it interferes more and more with the immune system, making the person much more susceptible to common infections, like tuberculosis, as well as opportunistic infections and tumors that do not usually affect people who have working immune systems. The late symptoms of the infection are referred to as AIDS. This stage is often complicated by an infection pneumonia, severe weight loss, skin lesions...

Since its discovery, AIDS has caused an estimated 36 million deaths,HIV/AIDS is considered a pandemic. Consistent condom use reduces the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 80% over the long term.When condoms are used consistently by a couple in which one person is infected, the rate of HIV infection is less than 1% per year.