Description
The virus responsible for AIDS. HIV is transmitted through exchange of bodily
secretions, which can be through unprotected sex with an infected person, receiving blood
contaminated with HIV, or by contracting it before or after birth from an HIV positive
mother. HIV compromises the immune system and those infected become extremely susceptible
to opportunistic infection. It is possible to have HIV for years before symptoms become
obvious, but once the symptoms appear, health can decline rapidly. At the end of 1996, an
estimated 11,080 Australians were living with HIV infection. Acquired
Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a serious health problem caused by the HIV
virus, and affects significant numbers of people throughout the world. In Australia, at
the end of 1996, 16,700 were estimated to have AIDS. Australia has the 3rd highest per
capita incidence of AIDS in the developed world. |
Information
& Support
Australian Federation of AIDS
Organisations
AFAO is the peak non-government organisation representing Australia's community-based
response to HIV/AIDS.
The Australasian
Society for HIV Medicine
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