AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

Description

A disorder of the Immune System, AIDS is the result of Infection by the HIV virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Carried in blood and reproductive fluids, HIV can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, or use of an infected hypodermic needle. Once inside the body, HIV lies dormant for a 7 to 10 year period until the Immune System has exhausted itself.

This process of AIDS has three parts:
1) Infection by the HIV retrovirus, followed by a 7-10 year "lag" period.
2) AIDS-Related Complex (ARC), in which opportunistic Infections (Candida, Diarrhoea, fever, etc.) often repeatedly occur due to the weakened Immune System.
3) The final phase is often cancer, pneumonia and/or tuberculosis, resulting in death.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) defines AIDS as a T-cell count of less than 200. Once the Immune System becomes weakened, or nearly ceases to function, the sufferer is susceptible to any and every Infection. Although no cure has been found, modern drugs can dramatically prolong the life of an AIDS patient.

Due to the serious nature of the condition it is better to visit a health professional for personal advice on nutritional support.

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