HIV/AIDS glossary

AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. The majority of people infected with HIV, if not treated, develop signs of AIDS within 8-10 years. AIDS is identified on the basis of certain infections.   HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV infection causes a gradual depletion and weakening of the immune system. This results in an increased susceptibility of the body to infections, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis, and can lead to the development of AIDS. Most people infected with HIV do not know that they have become infected, because symptoms do not develop immediately after the initial infection, but they are highly infectious and can transmit the virus to another person. HIV can be transmitted through penetrative sex; blood transfusion; the sharing of contaminated needles in health care settings and through drug injection; and from mother to infant, during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.   Pandemic A pandemic or global epidemic is an outbreak of an infectious disease that affects people or animals over an extensive geographical area.