AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the last stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS weakens the immune system and increases a person's risk of developing serious illnesses such as certain cancers, opportunistic diseases, and neurological disorders.
AIDS is spread through contaminated blood, specifically through sexual contact or shared needles. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea, fever, night sweats, thrush (infection in the mouth and throat), and swollen lymph nodes of the neck, armpits, and groin.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this
information.
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.