HIV/AIDS - Description, causes, statistics etc.

HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that affects both men and women of all ages. It has an impact on many people's lives either by themselves being infected, knowing someone who is infected, or being a health care worker. HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. It also affects the blood cells (lymphocytes) and cells of the organs (bone marrow, spleen, liver, and lymph glands). It affects the lungs, central nervous system and …

…increase the risk of perinatal transmission are maternal drug use, severe inflammation of fetal membranes, or a prolonged period between membrane rupture and delivery (Women and AIDS). There are many things that we can do to try to prevent the spread of AIDS. We can avoid sexual contact with infected people and known IV drug users. Condoms should always be used. Avoiding unscreened blood product and un-sterilized IV drug needles can also reduce the risk.