What is HIV/AIDS? AIDS is a chronic, life-threatening condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By damaging or destroying the cells of your immune system, HIV interferes with your body's ability to effectively fight off viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause disease. This makes you more susceptible to opportunistic infections your body would normally resist, such as pneumonia and meningitis, and to certain types of cancers. The virus and the infection itself are …
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showed last 75 words of 409 total
…an estimated 900,000 Americans are living with HIV/AIDS. That is partly the result of improved treatments. Since 1995 the number of medications available to treat AIDS has more than tripled. Powerful combinations of newer antiretroviral drugs have helped reduce serious complications of the disease and prolong life. But the positive news about treatment means that there is also a growing complacency about AIDS. And unfortunately, high risk behavior already seems to be increasing in some communities.