AIDS

• aids = acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
• AIDS caused by HIV
• HIV = human immune deficiency virus
• AIDS spread through blood to blood contact (e.g. in sexual intercourse or sharing needles)
• if infected, take antiviral medication to stop virus multiplying inside you (but must be taken for life)
• how disease works:

  HIV destroys lymphocytes -> weakens your immune system -> sufferers get ill from pathogens such as tuberculosis & pneumonia
• lymphocyte = a white blood cell that produces antibodies and anti-toxins