A deficiency in the immune system strongly thought to be cause by infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which is spread through infected blood and semen (sexual contact, sharing needles, or a mother passing the virus on to her foetus are the most common means of transmission). HIV affects certain white blood cells that are crucial for fighting disease and infections. As a result, people with AIDS fall prey to a variety of infections, from skin disorders, diarrhoea and yeast infection, to tuberculosis, neurological disorders and cancer. Early symptoms include enlarged lymph glands or unexplained weight loss and fatigue. The syndrome is fatal and as yet there is no cure. Treatment is aimed at strengthening the immune system, and dealing with the infection brought on by immune deficiency.

PREVENTION

Practice safe sex:

* limit sexual partners to those whose sexual history you know.

* use a condom for oral, anal or vaginal sex.

* Hugging, mutual masturbation, kissing, body massage, body kissing and touching are safe.

• Intravenous drug users should avoid sharing needles.
• If traveling in the Third world countries, carry a supply of disposable sterile needles in case you require medical injections

TREATMENT

New discovers about AIDS are being made every day, through as yet there is no cure for the syndrome, the following treatments are some of the current methods.

ORTHODOX

Antiviral drugs, such as zidovudine (AZT) and acyclovir, are prescribed, and are thought to prolong life once symptoms have started.