A social problem is defined as a negative interaction between groups in society. The social problem most likely effects more than one group of people. Most problems bring upon havoc or cause lack of cooperation in solving the problem. Social problems also prevent groups from growing and improving, thus making the problem worse. A most recent social problem that became an epidemic in the early 80's is AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS originated from HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which is a specific group of diseases or conditions that result from suppression of the immune system. A person infected with HIV gradually loses immune function along with certain immune cells, called CD4 T-lymphocytes or CD4 T-cells, causing the infected person to become vulnerable to pneumonia, fungus infections, or other common ailments. With the loss of immune function, a clinical syndrome (a group of various illnesses that together characterize a disease) develops over time and eventually results in death due to opportunistic infections (infections by organisms that do not normally cause disease except in persons whose immune system has been greatly weakened) or cancers.
             AIDS is a social problem because it's a disease that doesn't have a cure. AIDS effects all communities and social groups, making the disease a worldwide problem. More than any other groups of people, homosexual men find AIDS the most important social problem. Since some of the first AIDS cases were found in homosexual men, many groups blame them for spreading the disease. Since AIDS is found in any race, sex, age, or sexual preference; any person is vulnerable to the disease.
             The only cause of AIDS is HIV. HIV can be spread by the exchange of body fluids, primarily semen, blood, and blood products. Another major spread of HIV is caused by sexual contact with an infected person. The virus is present in the sexual secretions of infected men ...