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AIDS stands for Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A virus the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that attacks the bodys
immune system causes
the disease. HIV itself does not cause illness, but it weakens the immune
system,
preventing it from fighting other infections. The body is then overcome by
disease.
HIV is spread through blood, sexual fluids such as semen/vaginal fluids
and babies
can get HIV from their infected mothers during pregnancy, birth or
breastfeeding.
AIDS is not a homosexual
disease; it strikes men and women off all ages, all races
and any sexual orientation. That is why it is better to speak of
behaviours, rather
that groups, at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. At present AIDS can be
treated, but
not cured. Medication can slow its progress and treat some of the
conditions it
causes.
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