AIDS is an acronym originated from English, which means Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It is the final stage of the disease caused by HIV, a virus that causes severe damage to the immune system.
HIV virus
HIV is also an acronym originating in English, which means Human immunodeficiency virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), a virus belonging to the class of retroviruses.
This virus attacks the body's defense cells, leaving the body vulnerable to all kinds of illnesses, from the flu to more serious infections like tuberculosis or cancer. The cells most affected by HIV are the CD4+ T lymphocytes.
Being HIV positive is not the same as having AIDS. Many HIV-positive individuals live years without manifesting symptoms and without developing the disease, although they can transmit the virus to others through sexual intercourse. unprotected, sharing contaminated syringes or mother to child, during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
AIDS cure
AIDS has no cure. However, currently, HIV carriers have a
treatment able to prolong survival and improve quality of life, by reducing viral load and reconstituting the immune system.The medicines antiretrovirals used in the treatment delay the onset of AIDS and provide a better quality of life for the carrier of the virus. In Brazil, these drugs are offered free of charge by the Government.