Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, better known as AIDS, is caused by infection with a virus known as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. Over time, the virus attacks and destroys the body's immune system (the system that protects the body from disease). Without a fully working immune system, a person is at risk for getting other infections that usually do not affect healthy people. These are called opportunistic infections. People with HIV also have a greater risk of getting certain types of cancer, such as Kaposi sarcoma, lymphomas, and cervical cancer. Many of these problems can threaten life.
The first cases of AIDS in the United States were reported in 1981. They were described as a rare form of pneumonia in otherwise healthy men who had sex with men. Soon after that, it was learned that the virus could also be spread through sex between men and women and by shared injection needles. A blood test for HIV infection was developed and approved in 1985. Around that same time, the virus was found worldwide. Since then, scientists have learned a lot about HIV and made great progress in its treatment. Still, the virus has continued its spread to many people, mainly through sex.
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