African American Women and HIV/AIDS

[TRSimon]

Originally posted by Afrochic
AIDS is also short for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This syndrome represents the late clinical state of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), resulting in progressive damage to the immune system and in life-threatening infectious and noninfectious complications.

Thanks for the additional information, Afrochic. Since the post was referring to the general condition (which is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), I posted my notes in that context to provide information and/or clarity.

[delph998]

LADIES,

I got an A on my assignment! Thanks for your encouragement!

[TRSimon]

Glad to hear your presentation went well...

[NinjaPoodle]

Originally posted by delph998
LADIES,

I got an A on my assignment! Thanks for your encouragement!

Congratulations SisterSoror!

[ladygreek]

TRSimon-you are correct about what AIDS stands for. This is from the MN AIDS Project website

What is HIV?

Human - because the virus can only infect human beings. Although similar diseases exist in other animals, such as monkeys and cats, those viruses cannot infect humans nor can HIV infect other animals.

Immunodeficiency - because the virus creates a deficiency with the body's immune system, causing it to fail to work properly.

Virus - because the organism is a virus which is incapable of reproducing by itself; it must use a human cell to reproduce.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that affects certain white blood cells—CD4 T cells—that manage human immune system responses. When these blood cells are damaged, it becomes difficult for people to fight off infections or diseases. This condition is called "HIV disease."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is HIV disease?

We tend to think of "disease" in simple terms: infection equals illness. It's a little different with HIV since the virus can cause slow, subtle damage to the immune system long before an infected person will feel ill. Most health care providers use the term "HIV disease" to identify the variety of changes a person may experience, from initial infection to more advanced stages of serious, life-threatening illness. The term describes the medical condition of anyone infected with the virus, regardless of his or her symptoms.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What does AIDS stand for?

Acquired - because HIV is not a condition passed on genetically; a person has to become infected with it.

Immune - because the immune system's ability to fight off viruses and bacteria becomes much less effective.

Deficiency - because the immune system fails to work properly.

Syndrome - because there is a wide range of diseases and infections a person may experience. When HIV disease was first recognized in the early 1980s, it was called AIDS. Today, the term "HIV disease" is a more accurate description of the condition. However, AIDS still used, primarily for the purpose of counting infections and as a description for advanced-stages of HIV disease. AIDS refers to individuals who have particular "AIDS-defining" conditions such as a very low CD4 white blood cell or specific illnesses.

***************
Edit: Dang I forgot to congratulate Del. WAY TO GO, SWEETIE!

[SeriousSigma22]

SisterSoror,

Congrats! Congrats! Congrats! Thanks for helping to get the message out!

Serioussigma22