HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
HIV attacks CD4 cells, the white blood cells that fight infections. It uses them to make more HIV cells. This destroys the CD4 cells and puts the body at risk for serious infections or cancers.
Having HIV does not automatically mean a person has AIDS. It becomes AIDS when CD4 cell counts get too low and the patient develops a serious infection or cancer.
There are no cures, but there are treatments to help keep HIV patients healthy and slow down AIDS.
Related categories 2
Sites 8
- NOVA Online: Surviving AIDS Interactive activities show how the human immune system works, while QuickTime video clips trace the progression of the AIDS virus. Also looks at the worldwide impact of the disease, as well as the researchers who are searching for a cure. From PBS.
- Metro TeenAIDS Organization dedicated to preventing HIV infection among young people in the Washington DC metro area. Site includes facts about the disease and testing for it.
- A Note to Teens Who Have Just Learned They Are HIV-Positive Short article provides tips for coping with the news no one wants to hear.
- Positive or Not: Think you can tell who is HIV positive? Play the game and read personal stories.
- Kenyan Sign Language HIV/AIDS SmartQuiz Game Offers an interactive computer game to teach deaf Kenyans about HIV/AIDS issues. Provides download instructions.
- Positive Youth Outreach Free peer support, services and education for HIV+ youth. Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and the AIDS Committee of Toronto.
- Staying Alive An international campaign providing information on HIV/AIDS prevention and protection, and promoting safer lifestyle choices. Features clips from videos and concerts, news, blog, and events. Available in many languages.
- Can I Get AIDS? Tells how AIDS is spread and how to protect yourself against it.