Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the last stage of
infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS weakens the immune
system and increases a person's risk of developing serious illnesses such as
certain cancers, opportunistic diseases, and neurological disorders.
AIDS is spread through contaminated blood, specifically through
sexual contact or shared needles. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss,
diarrhea, fever, night sweats, thrush (infection in the mouth and throat), and
swollen lymph nodes of the neck, armpits, and groin.
