AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a specific group of diseases that results from the suppression of the immune system (A group of cells, molecules, and organs that defend the body against invaders causing disease). The AIDS virus first involves the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). People with the HIV virus gradually loses immune function along with immune cells and without immune function, the HIV virus turns into the AIDS virus and eventually results in death.

AIDS was first identified in the United States in 1981. Researchers and scientist say that the origin of the AIDS virus may have come from Central Africa. In the United States alone, there are about 65,000 new cases a year and increasing. (Brooke, Robert-The Nurse’s Handbook, Pp. 149-Copyright. 1992)

The first patients in America and Europe were male homosexuals, but since 1989

HIV can be spread or exposed through a mother. One way is that the infant can be infected during the birth. The second is that the baby can be infected through breast-feeding because the breast milk is one of the mother’s body fluids. Only 25-35% of the babies born with HIV worldwide actually became infected.

There are many HIV rumors. Some people believe that you can catch the HIV virus in a household, school, workplace, or food service place. Scientists have found no evidence to support these fears of HIV. Some people believe that you may catch the HIV virus just by breathing the same air as an HIV victim. This is not true because HIV does not survive well in the environment because blood or body fluids in general dries. Other reasons none of the following rumors are untrue because HIV is unable to reproduce outside its host and doesn’t spread outside its host. (Compton’s Interactive Encyclopedia Deluxe-Copyright. 1998/The Learning Company Inc.-Pp. 3)

HIV can be spread through body fluids, young semen (newly produces semen), and blood products. HIV can be spread by sharing needles that result in direct exposure to blood of the infected person using it. That method mainly occurs from people abusing IV drugs (drugs that are injected into the veins).

There are many birth control methods that can be used to prevent HIV during sex. Today, we have spermicides, oral contraceptives, condoms, vaginal sponges, diaphragms and other concepts to prevent aids. Before using the following methods, you should ask a specialize doctor about how to effectively use them.

From January to September 1996, the number of deaths due to AIDS was 30,700 deaths which is down 19 percent from 37,900 deaths in the U.S. during the same time period in 1995 according to the United States Centers

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