unodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is a conglomerate of signs and symptoms that are recognized as the effects of an infection. When a person has AIDS he/she is very vulnerable to even the smallest infections, thus making them defenseless against a variety of illnesses which can develop into opportunistic infections and cancers. AIDS was first identified in 1981, and since then more than 500,000 American people have been reported as having AIDS. About 2/3 of those people had died through 1995. Approximately 50% of patients develop AIDS within 10 years of becoming HIV infected. After people acquire AIDS they usually die within 2 years of infection. There is no vaccine for HIV, but there are some drugs that can extend their lives. Some of the treatments that are offered are very expensive and are not available to all people with HIV. Also, these treatments do not work for about 20% of people who have tried them. Some of the best ways to avoid contracting HIV is to abstain from sexual intercourse and from sharing needles if you do drugs. Do not share personal items that may be contaminated with blood....
