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HIV means Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Transmitted by bodily fluid exchange, HIV occurs via needle sharing, unprotected sex, accidental needle jab, or physical assault or other contact causing blood-to-blood transfer. Weeks or months must elapse before a blood test can rule out infection. The first stage of HIV is a flu-like illness. The following latent period can last months or years (possibly more than ten years). Glands often swell during this time. The active stage follows, with:
Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome (commonly called AIDS) is the final stage. During this stage the white blood cells (T4 cells) that normally fight off infections diminish drastically. In this last stage, sufferers live for two to three years with:
Zidovudine® (ZDU) and Azidothymidine® (AZT) are antiviral treatments that decrease symptoms and prolong life without curing the HIV infection.