NCJ Number
107645
Date Published
1987
Length
30 pages
Annotation
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease in which defects develop in the individual's immune system that increase vulnerability to a variety of opportunistic infections.
Abstract
AIDS is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse and the sharing of contaminated needles. It also may be passed by an infected woman to her fetus. The two major groups at risk for AIDS are homosexual and bisexual men and intravenous drug users. Sexual partners of these high risk groups also are at risk. While studies of household members of AIDS patients and health care workers indicate that AIDS is not transmitted by casual contact, misperceptions and fears persist among the public. Major efforts at prevention focus on educating the public about the importance of safe sexual practices and avoiding contact with AIDS-contaminated blood and body fluids. While no one has ever recovered from a confirmed case of AIDS, tests are now available to screen for antibodies to the virus, and several experimental drugs for the treatment of AIDS are being tested. A list of information resources is provided.