AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a Disease caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), which breaks down the body’s defenses against other infections. This means a person can get sick or die from illnesses that wouldn’t normally affect him. The AIDS virus is carried in body fluids, especially blood, semen and vaginal fluids (Johannesburg City Health Department & AIDS Training and Information Centre, 1999). AIDS was first recognised and described in the United States in 1981, but it is clear that it occurred in the US and elsewhere in the world before then (WHO, 1990).

HOW DO YOU CONTRACT HIV?

• By having unsafe sex, i.e. with someone who is infected by the HIV virus;
• Drug addicts sharing infected needles and syringes;
• AIDS can also be transferred from mother to baby during pregnancy.

WHO CAN GET AIDS?

Anyone who is exposed to infection by the virus. The virus also does not discriminate between male and female.

REFERENCES

Johannesburg City Health Department & AIDS Training and Information Centre 1999: AIDS Advice from People Who Care ! Johannesburg.