Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, is caused by an infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks selected cells in the immune system and produces defects in function. It is a disease that has only been recognized for the past 22 years ("AIDS"). The first AIDS cases were reported in 1981. Since then, more than 665,000 AIDS cases have been reported in the United States. AIDS has also been the cause of more than 400,000 deaths ("AIDS"). The AIDS disease has become a problem of epidemic proportions. In order to become a more informed society, the citizens of America need to know the definition, methods of contraction, and modes of prevention of the HIV/AIDS infection.
             The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention has established criteria for defining cases of AIDS. These criteria are based on laboratory evidence such as the T4 cell count, the presence of certain opportunistic diseases, and a range of other conditions ("AIDS"). Other complications of HIV infection include fever, diarrhea, severe weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes ("Acquired..."). Many of the defects may not be apparent for years. However, they lead to a severe suppression of the immune system's ability to resist harmful organisms. This leaves the body open to invasion by various infections. This disease may lead to the development of unusual cancers. The virus also tends to reach certain brain cells. It is assumed that these people will eventually develop AIDS.
             Contrary to what many people believe, there are only a select few types of body fluid that can transmit the HIV/AIDS virus. Researchers have isolated HIV from a number of body fluids. These fluids include blood, semen, saliva, tears, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, breast milk, and cervical and vaginal secretions ("AIDS"). Even the fluids such as saliva and tears do not carry enough of the vi
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