AIDS
Waln K. Brown, Ph.D.
William Gladden Foundation
WHAT IS AIDS?
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency
Syndrome) is a deadly disease caused by a virus. The AIDS virus cripples the immune system. A person with AIDS is vulnerable to infections and certain kinds of cancer that take advantage of the body’s lowered ability to fight back. AIDS does not kill directly. Rather, the AIDS virus makes its victims defenseless against other infections that kill them.
WHAT IS HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a term for the virus that causes AIDS. HIV is a type of virus that causes a number of health problems ranging from symptomless
infection, to changes in the immune system and the development of life-threatening diseases because of lower immunity.
WHAT IS ARC
ARC (AIDS-Related Complex) is a stage of the AIDS infection where symptoms develop in response to a crippled immune system. It may take years to develop ARC after infection with the AIDS virus. Most people who develop ARC also will develop full-blown AIDS. ARC victims are contagious until the day they die.
HOW WILL AIDS AFFECT ME?
AIDS is and will be the most serious public health problem for years to come. AIDS has become part of daily life by influencing sexual practices, education, healthcare, marriage, insurance and the legal system. All Americans, most especially those who do not practice "safe sex," will have exposure to AIDS and its deadly consequences well into the future.
DOES CASUAL
CONTACT CAUSE AIDS?
NO. The AIDS virus does not pass between people through ordinary non-sexual contact. Rather, it is very fragile and does not live long enough outside the body to pose a threat through casual social contact. For example, AIDS does not spread by hugging, shaking hands, sitting next to, coughed on or sneezed on by an infected person, or by using public toilets, telephones or swimming pools.