Being one of the most fatal viruses in the world, AIDS (Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is now a serious public health concern in most major
Canadian and American cities and in countries worldwide. Since 1986 there have been
impressive advances in understanding of the AIDS virus. Even though researchers have
put in countless hours, and millions of dollars it has not led to a drug that can cure
infection with the virus or to a vaccine that can prevent it. With AIDS being the leading
cause of death among adults, individuals are now taking more precautions with sexual
intercourse, and medical facilities are screening blood more thoroughly. HIV ( Human
Immunodeficieny Virus) can be transmitted through sharing of non sterilize needles and
syringes, sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, and through most bodily fluids, it is not
transmitted through casual contact or by biting or blood sucking insects.
AIDS is a complicated illness that may involve several phases. It is caused by a virus that
can be passed from person to person. AIDS impairs the human body's immune system the
system responsible for warding off disease and leaves the victim susceptible to various
infections. AIDS was first conclusively identified in the United States in 1981, when 189
cases were reported to the Centers for Disease Control. Within a decade the disease had
spread to virtually all populated areas of the world. In the United States alone there are
about 65,000 new cases every year. The origin of the AIDS virus is uncertain, but it may
"AIDS is defined as a disease, at least moderately predictive of defects in cell-
meditated immunity, occurring in a person with no known cause for diminished resistance
to that disease."AIDS : Trading Fact For Fears, Karen Hein "American researchers initially named the
virus that causes AIDS the human T-lymphotropic virus, type III or HTLV-III. After
researchers disc...