Learn the Difference Between HIV & AIDS in Overview

Knowledge is the key to preventing this fast-spreading disease. AIDS is currently an incurable illness resulting from deterioration of the human immune system. It was first reported in the United States in 1981. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, and is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). AIDS weakens the body’s ability to fight off certain infections and illnesses. These opportunistic infections are usually controlled by a healthy person’s immune system. However, those with AIDS have immune systems that are weakened and may, therefore, require medical attention to prevent and treat these illnesses.

What test does TKNO use to do its testing, and what is the accuracy rate?

The OraQuick Advance rapid HIV-1/HIV-2 antibody test. The overall accuracy rate is 99.8%

How do HIV and AIDS differ?

Someone who is “HIV positive” does not necessarily have AIDS. HIV is said to have advanced to AIDS when an infected person develops an AIDS-defining illness (one or more of the conditions currently recognized by the Centers for Disease Control), or certain results on their blood tests, even if they have not yet developed symptoms.
How quickly or slowly HIV progresses to AIDS varies from one person to another. As is the case with other diseases, early detection by a healthcare provider is key to fighting HIV/AIDS.

How common is HIV/AIDS?

Experts estimated at the end of 2002 that 42 million people in the world were living with HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that close to 1 million people in the United States are living with HIV/AIDS. About 40,000 new cases occur each year in the U.S.

How is the HIV virus spread?

HIV, the AIDS virus, passes from person to person through the exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. Transmission occurs when these body fluids are exchanged during intimate sexual contact or while sharing infected hypodermic needles. An infected woman can also pass HIV to her unborn child. HIV can also be transmitted through a blood transfusion with contaminated blood or blood products. In theory, other objects that come into contact with blood, such as shared toothbrushes or razors, can pass along HIV to subsequent users. Currently, however, nothing indicates that transmission of the virus is possible through sneezing, a hug or handshake, or other casual contact.