Understanding AIDS: Causes and Treatments

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What are HIV and AIDS?

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the immune system. It gradually destroys cells called CD4 cells, which usually help the body stay healthy by fighting off disease.

What does AIDS stand for?

AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. HIV attacks and destroys the infection-fighting CD4 cells ( CD4 T lymphocyte) of the immune system. The loss of CD4 cells makes it difficult for the body to fight off infections, illnesses, and certain cancers.

Where can I find information about HIV in Australia?

For information about prevention, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, see healthdirect's HIV page. HIV is a nationally notifiable disease. We monitor cases through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. For more on HIV in Australia, you can search Communicable Diseases Intelligence . Is there anything wrong with this page?

What Is AIDS

1. https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/what-are-hiv-and-aids
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
3. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hiv-infection-and-aids
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV/AIDS
5. https://www.britannica.com/science/AIDS
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/symptoms-causes/syc-20373524
7. https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/hiv-and-aids-basics
8. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html
9. https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/human-immunodeficiency-virus-hiv

AIDS Information

1. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/HIV-infection.aspx