What is aids?

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe stage of HIV infection. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body's natural defense system. White blood cells are an important part of the immune system. HIV infects and destroys certain white blood cells called CD4+ cells. If too many CD4+ cells are destroyed, the body can no longer defend itself against infection. Both the virus and the infection it causes are called HIV.

Medicines can reduce the amount of virus in the body and improve your health. If HIV is not treated, it will usually get worse over time and cause AIDS. People who have AIDS have a low number of CD4+ cells. They get infections or cancers that rarely occur in healthy people. These can be deadly.

Symptoms of AIDS may include:

• Fever.
• Fatigue.
• Weight loss.
• Coughing.
• Diarrhea.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Mouth sores.

AIDS is diagnosed when one or both are true in a person with HIV:

• The person has a CD4+ cell count of less than 200 cells per microliter (mcL).
• The person gets infections or cancers that are usually seen only in people who have immune system problems. Examples include Pneumocystis pneumonia and Kaposi sarcoma.

AIDS is treated with medicines. These include:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART). These medicines can reduce the amount of virus in your body and help you stay healthy.
• Medicines to prevent opportunistic infections, such as Pneumocystis pneumonia.

After you start treatment, it's important to take your medicines exactly as directed. When treatment doesn't work, it is often because HIV has become resistant to the medicine. This can happen if you miss doses.

Being diagnosed with AIDS may cause stress or other emotions. If you need more support, ask your doctor to connect you with a counselor. Talking with someone about these feelings may help.

Take your medicine as directed. Eat healthy foods. Prepare foods safely to help prevent food poisoning. If you smoke, try to quit. Be active. This helps relieve stress and helps you feel less tired. If you inject drugs, use new syringes and needles every time. Don't share injection supplies. Join a support group.