Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), once a person with HIV has a certain number of cancers or their T cells (also called CD4 count) have reached 200 cells/mm3 (normal CD4 count is between 500 to 1,000 cells/mm3), then that person is considered to have AIDS. The CDC estimated that in 2007, 37,041 people in the United States had AIDS.
Sexual Relationships
Having unprotected sex can lead to a variety of unwanted sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The most severe illness that can occur with unprotected sex is HIV (which can develop into AIDS). Bodily fluids that contain a high concentration of the HIV virus are vaginal fluids, semen, blood and rectal mucus. When the virus comes into contact with one of these bodily fluids, then HIV can be transmitted to the other person. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a high risk for contracting AIDS, according to the CDC. The CDC estimates that 16,749 men acquired AIDS by having sex with other men in 2007. In an effort to prevent HIV, the Mayo Clinic recommends correctly and consistently using latex or polyurethane condoms when engaging in sexual behaviors (vaginal, oral or rectal sex). It is important to remember that condoms (male or female) are not 100% effective in protecting you or your partner against any type of STD or AIDS. Along with condom use, the website AIDS.gov recommends that people remain faithful to their partner and for both partners to get tested before engaging in sexual behavior.
Drug Use
Drug users are at an increased risk for acquiring HIV and AIDS. The CDC estimates that in 2007 there were 3,750 injection drug users who had AIDS. Since the HIV virus can be passed through blood, sharing needles, syringes and other drug equipment is a primary way injection drug users acquire HIV and AIDS. The CDC reports that people who sell syringes often repackage used syringes and sell them as sterile syringes. While it is recommended that people stop using drugs and enter a treatment facility, the CDC recognizes that many drug users will continue to inject drugs, so the CDC recommends that people buy syringes from a pharmacy and use new equipment each time.
Mother to Child Transmission
A baby can come into contact with AIDS during pregnancy, vaginal delivery or while breastfeeding. A mother with HIV or AIDS can be given medication during pregnancy, labor and childbirth to help prevent transmission. By taking medication and delivering the baby via c-section, the transmission rate declines to 2 percent or less, according to the website AIDS.gov. A mother who is not on medication during pregnancy, labor or delivery has a 25 percent chance of passing HIV on to her child. The CDC recommends that HIV-positive mothers do not breastfeed their babies because the virus can pass through the breast milk. The CDC estimates that 100 to 200 infants contract the virus each year.
