What is HIV Infection and AIDS?

The Human Immuno-deficiency Virus or HIV is the organism that ultimately causes AIDS. Soon after first getting the HIV infection the person has a short, self limiting �flue-like disease. This only lasts a few days and is so mild that many persons do not even know it. The virus slowly destroys the ability of the body to resist common communicable diseases. When tha resistance of the body is so reduced that infections can no longer be resisted, the person is said to have AIDS. The mean period between getting the HIV infection and developing AIDS is 9.8 years. In other words, in 9.8 years half the HIV infected persons can be expected to develop AIDS and conversely it must be emphasized that half the persons will still be well and healthy at this time.

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