San Francisco Chronicle (SF); Friday, November 8, 1991
Sabin Russell

AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is the final stage of a viral disease that breaks down the immune system, the body's natural defense against germs. When a person has AIDS, he or she becomes vulnerable to a variety of infections and cancers, which eventually kill the patient.

-- What is HIV?

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. The virus attacks the immune system, gradually wearing it down. A person infected with HIV can appear to be healthy for 10 years or longer, but eventually, the HIV infection progresses to AIDS.

-- What does HIV-positive mean?

A person who is HIV-positive has been shown by a blood test to have been infected with HIV. An estimated 1 million Americans are believed to be HIV-positive.

-- How do people get AIDS?

The AIDS virus is spread by sexual contact involving the spread of semen, blood, or vaginal secretions. It can also be transmitted from infected mothers to their babies during pregnancy or at birth, and by sharing hypodermic needles used to inject drugs such as cocaine or heroin. It cannot be spread by casual contact.

-- How can people avoid getting AIDS?

The most effective prevention against AIDS is the use of a condom. Drug users should never share a needle. -- Is there a cure for AIDS?

No.

-- What treatments are available for AIDS?

There are only two drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. One drug AZT, has been used since 1987. A second, ddI, was approved last month. Both drugs can prolong life, but AIDS eventually kills.

-- Can you get AIDS from a blood transfusion?

Until 1985, when a blood test was developed to detect the AIDS virus, there was a significant danger. The use of the blood test has made the nation's blood supply safe, but a rare infection is still possible. You cannot get AIDS by donating blood.

-- Who gets AIDS?

In the past 10 years, 59 percent were men who had sex with men, 22 percent took intravenous drugs; 7 percent were men who had sex with men and also used intravenous drugs; 6 percent were people who had heterosexual contacts with HIV- positive partners; 4 percent of cases had unknown causes; 2 percent received blood transfusions or body tissues; 1 percent were hemophiliacs or people with other coagulation disorders.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1991. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1991. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .