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What is HIV / AIDS?
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. The virus attacks the body's immune system, leaving it vulnerable to life-threatening infections and cancers. Persons infected with HIV frequently have no apparent symptoms and usually appear to be in good health. There is no known cure for AIDS.
How is the infection spread?
Everyone infected with HIV even a person without apparent symptoms can transmit the virus to someone else. HIV infection can be transmitted by:
- Any sexual activity involving direct contact with semen, blood, or vaginal secretion of someone who is infected.
- Sharing intravenous (IV) needles and/or syringes with someone who is infected.
- Sharing non-sterilized instruments for tattooing, ear piercing, shaving or acupuncture with someone
- who is infected.
- Direct contact on broken skin with infected blood.
- Accidental needle sticks with needles containing infected blood.
- Receiving a blood transfusion or blood products from someone who is infected.
- Being born to or breastfed by an infected mother.
The HIV / AIDS virus cannot be transmitted or spread through air or water, on surfaces such as phones, doorknobs, sinks, etc. by coughing or sneezing, or through kissing or biting.
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By years end 2007, 1,289 people were diagnosed with AIDS in Stockton, Ca.
The HIV virus hit the United States in approximately 1970 yet Western Scientists and Doctors remain ignorant of the growing epidemic. AIDS is detected in California and New York in 1981. AIDS is reported in several European countries in 1982.
In 1983, 3,000 AIDS cases were reported in the US and 1,000 died by the end of the year. In 1985 AIDS is found in China and has now been found in all regions of the world. In 1990 eight-million people are living with HIV worldwide.
In other developing countries, only a tiny minority can access treatment for HIV in 1997. In 2003 AIDS drugs become more affordable for developing countries. 28% of people in developing countries who need treatment for HIV are receiving it, 2006.
In 2009 President Obama announces the removal of the travel ban that prevents HIV-positive people from entering the US.
(reference: http://www.avert.org/aids.htm)
