Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease of the human immune system caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). During early infection, a person may experience brief flu-like symptoms, followed by a long symptom-free phase. As the disease progresses, the immune system becomes severely weakened, making the person vulnerable to opportunistic infections and cancers. AIDS is a major global health problem, affecting millions, including children.

HIV attacks CD4 T cells, which are vital for immune defense. Common bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses that do not cause serious disease in healthy individuals can become life-threatening in people with AIDS. HIV is present in saliva, tears, blood, semen, vaginal fluids, spinal fluid, and breast milk. However, infection is transmitted only through blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk.

Modes of Transmission

HIV spreads through:

Unprotected sexual contact (oral, vaginal, anal)

Blood exposure (needle sharing in IV drug abusers, unscreened transfusions—now rare)

Mother to child during pregnancy,........

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