An Introduction to HIV and AIDS

An Introduction to HIV and AIDS
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) was first reported in the United States in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). By killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers.

The term AIDS applies to the most advanced stages of HIV infection. More than 700,000 cases have been reported in the United States since 1981, and as many as 900,000 Americans may be infected with HIV. The epidemic is growing most rapidly among women and minority populations.