Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV) is a retrovirus that infects and destroys helper T cells of the immune system, causing the marked reduction in their numbers. Once the level of helper T cells drops low enough, the disease progresses from HIV to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This stage is marked by:
- swollen lymph nodes
- weight loss
- fevers
- infections in the mouth
- diarrhea
- fatique
- memory loss
HIV and AIDS are spread through:
- sexual contact with an infected person
- contact with infected blood
- breast milk passed from mother to child
Definition from MedlinePlus Meriam Webster: http://www.merriam-webster.com/medlineplus/HIV