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AIDS

Concept
Syndrome (a variety of symptoms and manifestations) caused by chronic infection of the human body by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection.
The virus compromises the functioning of the human immune system, preventing it from properly performing its task, which is to protect it against external aggressions (by bacteria, other viruses, parasites, and even cancer cells).
With the progressive damage to the immune system the human body becomes more susceptible to certain infections and tumors, known as opportunistic diseases that eventually lead the patient to death.
The acute phase (after 1 to 4 weeks of exposure and contamination) infection usually manifests as a generalized flu symptoms (fever, malaise and body aches) that may be accompanied by red spots in the body and lymphadenopathy (bubo) (at different body sites). The acute phase lasts usually 1-2 weeks and can be confused with other viruses (influenza, mononucleosis, etc.) and can also go unnoticed.
Symptoms of acute non-specific and are thus common to several diseases, not allowing per se the diagnosis of HIV infection, which can only be confirmed by anti-HIV test, which shall be done after 30 to 90 days (1 to 3 months) from the date of exposure or possible contamination.

Synonyms
AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV-disease.
Agent
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) with two known subtypes: HIV-1 and HIV-2.
Complications / Consequences
Opportunistic diseases such as miliary tuberculosis and certain pneumonias, some types of tumors, as certain lymphomas and Kaposi's sarcoma. Neurological disorders.
Transmission
Blood and fluids grossly contaminated with blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk.
Transmission can occur in vaginal, oral and anal sex.
Social kissing (dry kiss, mouth closed) are safe (zero risk) as the transmission of the virus, even if one person is HIV-positive. The same can be said of handshakes and hugs.
The open-mouthed