Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS or Aids) is a collection of symptoms and infections in humans resulting from the specific damage to the immune system caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The late stage of the condition leaves individuals prone to opportunistic infections and tumors. Although treatments for AIDS and HIV exist to slow the virus's progression, there is no known cure. HIV is transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and breast milk. This transmission can come in the form of anal, vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated needles, exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, or other exposure to one of the above bodily fluids.

Most researchers believe that HIV originated in sub-Saharan Africa during the twentieth century;

it is now a pandemic, with an estimated 38.6 million people now living with the disease worldwide. As of January 2006, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized on June 5, 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. In 2005 alone, AIDS claimed an estimated 2.4 - 3.3 million lives, of which more than 570,000 were children. A third of these deaths are occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, retarding economic growth and destroying human capital. Antiretroviral treatment reduces both the mortality and the morbidity of HIV infection, but routine access to antiretroviral medication is not available in all countries. HIV/AIDS stigma is more severe than that associated with other life-threatening conditions and extends beyond the disease itself to providers and even volunteers involved with the care of people living with HIV.

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@awallens try independent living aids next time. they're much nicer.
tunedtochords (Amanda) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:12:45 -0000
@awallens try independent living aids next time. they're much nicer.
@iizLiz you're on the bleeding edge. Bring band-aids.
d_breshears (David Breshears) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:12:31 -0000
@iizLiz you're on the bleeding edge. Bring band-aids.
Da CASA DO POETA - Programa Municipal de DST/Aids de São Paulo lança livro contando ... - Agê.. http://bit.ly/12Kx2Z
thelmomattos (Thelmo Mattos) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:12:24 -0000
Da CASA DO POETA - Programa Municipal de DST/Aids de São Paulo lança livro contando ... - Agê.. http://bit.ly/12Kx2Z
'I hate you more than Hitler, AIDS and Fox News combined.' #rickandsteve
crispeater (crispeater) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:12:10 -0000
'I hate you more than Hitler, AIDS and Fox News combined.' #rickandsteve
angekommen -.- und dank einem sehr netten Schaffner durfte ich mein 2h Ticket weil es ja 10min mehr waren nochmal kaufen - stirb an aids
sekstoiii (Laureen) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:11:19 -0000
angekommen -.- und dank einem sehr netten Schaffner durfte ich mein 2h Ticket weil es ja 10min mehr waren nochmal kaufen - stirb an aids
thinks that vampires started AIDS.
MandyMassacre (Mandy Massacre) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:11:17 -0000
thinks that vampires started AIDS.

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