AIDS Epidemic
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Since the early 1980's, AIDS has grown into the public health disaster of our time. It has become a global phenomenon that has tested social, cultural, religious and scientific beliefs. With no cure or vaccine insight, AIDS continues to spread rapidly, especially in youths, age 10-24.
AIDS is short for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. It is a human viral disease that destroys the immune system, damaging the body's ability to defend itself from infection and disease. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes AIDS. People infected with HIV carry the virus in their body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. The virus can spread only if these HIV infected fluids enter the bloodstream of another person. This can take place (1) through the linings of the vagina, rectum, mouth, or the opening at the tip of the penis; (2) through intravenous injection with a syringe; or (3) through a break in the skin, such as a cut or sore ("Questions and Answers").
There are four common ways in which AIDS/HIV is spread...