Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Current as of: February 11, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Peter Shalit MD, PhD - Internal Medicine
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the last stage of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS weakens the immune system and increases a person's risk of developing serious illnesses such as certain cancers, opportunistic diseases, and neurological disorders. HIV is spread through contaminated blood, specifically through sexual contact or shared needles. HIV, especially if it is not treated, can progress to AIDS. Symptoms of AIDS include fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea, fever, night sweats, thrush (infection in the mouth and throat), and swollen lymph nodes of the neck, armpits, and groin. Current as of: February 11, 2020 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Peter Shalit MD, PhD - Internal Medicine |
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