AIDS 101

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Acquired – means that the disease is not hereditary but develops after birth from contact with a
disease causing agent (in this case, HIV).

Immunodeficiency – means that the disease is characterized by a weakening of the immune system.

Syndrome – refers to a group of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease. In the
case of AIDS this can include the development of certain infections and/or cancers, as well as a
decrease in the number of certain cells in a person’s immune system.

A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician using specific clinical or laboratory standards.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus may be passed from one
person to another when infected blood or body secretions come in contact with an uninfected person’s
broken skin or mucous membranes.

In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well
as through breast-feeding. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. Some of these people
will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.

How can I tell if I'm infected with HIV? What are the symptoms?

The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on symptoms
to know whether or not you are infected with HIV. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have
any symptoms at all for many years.

The following may be warning signs of infection with HIV:

- rapid weight loss
- dry cough
- recurring fever or profuse night sweats
- profound and unexplained fatigue
- swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
- diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
- white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
- pneumonia
- red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
- memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders

However, no one should assume they are infected if they have any of these symptoms. Each of these
symptoms can be related to other illnesses. Again, the only way to determine whether you are infected
is to be tested for HIV infection.

Similarly, you cannot rely on symptoms to establish that a person has AIDS. The symptoms of AIDS are
similar to the symptoms of many other illnesses. AIDS is a medical diagnosis made by a doctor based
on specific criteria established by the CDC.

DISCLAIMER

Considering the nature of
the Internet, the
Archdiocese of Atlanta’s
HIV/AIDS Ministry cannot
take responsibility for the
contents of sites that may
be accessed through these
web pages. These links do
not represent, necessarily,
the position of the
Archdiocese of Atlanta’s
HIV/AIDS Ministry, much
less an archdiocesan
endorsement of a
particular site.

A mature selective criteria
on the part of the user is
necessary when using the
Internet. In general, we
strongly recommend
parents to supervise their
children while surfing the
Net. While avoiding
censorship, we make every
effort to post suitable
information and links
which may be of value to
understand HIV/AIDS. It is
the user's responsibility to
decide whether or not a
particular site is
appropriate, according to
the user’s personal criteria.

For more information

The CDC National AIDS Hotline operates toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Hotline offers
anonymous, confidential HIV/AIDS information to the American public.

Trained information specialists answer questions about HIV infection and AIDS
in English (1-800-342-AIDS) and provide TTY service for the deaf (1-800-243-7889).

The Spanish service (1-800-344-7432) offers STD information in addition to information about
HIV/AIDS.

They also provide referrals to appropriate services, including clinics, hospitals, local hotlines,
counseling and testing sites, legal services, health departments, support groups, educational
organizations, and service agencies throughout the United States.