What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection and occurs when the body is no longer able to fight off certain infections. These infections are normally not an issue for a person with a healthy immune system.
These infections are called “opportunistic infections” and include illnesses such as:
- Candida albicans (thrush – oral yeast infection)
- Staphylococcus aureus (common staph infection)
- Kaposi’s Sarcoma (a rare form of skin cancer)
- Pneumocystosis (a form of pneumonia)
- Shingles (adult onset chicken pox)
When HIV becomes AIDS
In Canada, a person is said to have AIDS when they have one or more opportunistic infections and the HIV virus. This may vary from country to country. A person can become diagnosed with AIDS and with good care and medication options can become healthy again; however, HIV will still exist in the body.
An AIDS Advance, Hiding in the Open (N.Y. Times)
According to this article, the combination drug Truvada significantly reduces a gay man's (or a member of other high risk populations) chance of contracting HIV.
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NOTICE BOARD
- AIDS PEI's AGM will be held January 10th - 6:00 at the AIDS PEI Office. All are welcome.
- 12 Days of Christmas was another success, bringing in over $8000 to go towards our client and Education fund. Thank you to all who made donations and sold tickets!!
- A big Thanks to everyone who participated in the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for life! It was another great year, thanks to our sponsors, Volunteers and participants.
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