skip banner - Return to original view
site viewing options
 
Parents|Medical Information|Professionals|In your area|Campaigns

HIV Infection and AIDS

Background

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus results in progressive destruction of the immune system. As a result of this an infected individual becomes susceptible to a number of different infections and is also liable to become wasted and also to develop neurological problems.

The Acquired Immune Deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a clinical definition. An HIV positive individual is described as having AIDS if they develop one or more of the complications associated with the deteriorating immune system.

What are the symptoms? View What are the symptoms?

Medical text written November 1995 by Dr J Evans, Paediatric HIV Team, St Mary's Hospital, London UK. Last reviewed December 2004 by Dr M Sharland, Consultant Paediatrician in Paediatric Infectious diseases and HIV, St George's Hospital, London, UK.

 

Tell us what you think of this information...

Print whole article Print whole article

 

This Web Site © Copyright, Contact a Family 2008
Contact a Family, 209-211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN
Tel: (020) 7608 8700

Registered Charity No. 284912. Charity registered in Scotland No. SC039169
Company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales No. 1633333.
HM Revenue & Customs charity tax reference No. XN54769. VAT Reg. No. GB 749 3846 82