What Does AIDS Stand For

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. In other words, this disease affects immune system, making it weak. Immune system failure can lead to serous health problems and even death. If the body is infected with HIV, immune system will get weaker. AIDS is the final stage of this infection and during this stage, immune system is extremely weak. The body is no longer capable of fighting any infection. HIV tends to destroy T-cells that play an important role in defending the body from infections, viruses and bacteria. The body becomes incapable of fighting any infection -not even cold.

This disease is sexually transmitted. It is transmitted through body fluids, including blood. Even though sexual intercourses are the most common way to transmit it, there are other ways, too. Our immune system helps us in defending ourselves from various illnesses, and if it is weak, the body is at high risk. AIDS is a silent enemy, because its asymptomatic phase can last for a long period - as long as a decade. A person can be completely unaware that he/she has this disease and can easily transmit it to other people. That is why it is very important to know the symptoms of HIV infection.