AIDS  is a spectrum of conditions happened by infection with the  (HIV).

Symptoms of AIDS  of HIV infection:

· Diarrhea for 30 days or more (episodically or permanently);
A ·      An Elevated temperature for 30 days or more;

·       Decreased body weight by 10% or more;

·       Fatigue and weakness.

Secondary symptoms of HIV infection:
·       Shingles;

·       Ulcerous lesions of the skin;

·       Stomatitis;

A ·       Cough for 30 days or more;

·       Enlargement of lymph nodes.

With a weakened immune system, it is possible to develop opportunistic diseases that are nonspecific for people with normal immunity: Kaposi's sarcoma, pneumocystis pneumonia, and others. The AIDS stage is assigned in the presence of opportunistic diseases and the level of CD4 count below 250 cells per mm3 and the viral load level of more than 100,000 copies per mm3.

How does HIV infection occur?

HIV infection occurs when the virus enters the blood or the mucous membrane. The most significant concentration of the virus is recorded in the blood, vaginal secretion, sperm and mother's milk. In other fluids of the human body, the strength of the virus is insignificant and almost safe.

Ways of contracting HIV

·       Unprotected sex. A quality condom made from modern materials reduces the risk of contracting HIV to a minimum.

·       "Blood is blood." Often, HIV infection occurs through the use of non-sterile tools and injecting drugs.

·       From mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth.

·       From mother to child during lactation.

HIV infection is impossible

HIV exists only in the fluids of the human body, and HIV infection is impossible:

·       At the handshake;

·       When using everyday utensils, water, and food;

·       When using a shared toilet, bath, pool, gym;

·       With insect bites;

·       When using shared bedding.

·       To protect yourself from HIV infection, you need:

·       To exclude casual sexual relations;

·       Use condoms, do not practice unprotected sex;

·       When applying tattoos, use only sterile disposable instrumentation;

·       Use disposable injection tools;

If blood, vaginal secretion or sperm of the HIV-infected have got on the damaged sites of skin or mucosa, it is necessary to process them by running water and to address to the expert.

Healthcare Note:
For testing HIV, you need to contact the AIDS center when you see the symptoms of AIDS, or with the infectious disease doctor at your place of residence. In addition to testing there, you can receive specialist advice and, if necessary, begin treatment.